Dutch thrash Malta, Poland stumble

The Netherlands maintained their winning start to European 2026 World Cup qualifying by dismissing Malta 8-0 on Tuesday, while their group rivals Poland lost to Finland in a match interrupted due to a medical emergency in the crowd.

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The results leave Finland top of Group G on seven points, one ahead of the Dutch who have played two matches less. Poland sit third on six points after three played.

In Groningen, the Dutch raced into a three-goal lead against their over-awed opponents inside the opening 20 minutes.

Memphis Depay converted from the spot on nine minutes, before doubling the lead with a rifled finish from the edge of the box seven minutes later.

Depay’s brace brought the 31-year-old to 50 international goals — level with former Manchester United and Arsenal striker Robin van Persie as the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer.