Memphis Depay Makes History as Netherlands Edge Past Brave Lithuania
Memphis Depay etched his name into the history books as the Netherlands battled to a tense 3-2 away win over a spirited Lithuania side in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
It took just 11 minutes for Depay to open the scoring, heading in from close range to net his 52nd international goal — a new all-time record for the Netherlands national team, surpassing Robin van Persie.
Quinten Timber doubled the Dutch lead shortly after, scoring his first-ever goal for the national side. However, the hosts weren’t ready to roll over.
Gvidas Gineitis, the Lithuanian captain, made headlines of his own by embarking on a stunning solo run from midfield before slotting past the Dutch keeper — a goal that was not only a lifeline for his team, but also their first against the Netherlands in 30 years. Ranked 143rd in the FIFA World Rankings, Lithuania continued to defy expectations when Edvinas Girdvainis leveled the score with a powerful header just before half-time.
After the break, the Dutch regained control. It was that man again — Memphis Depay — who rose above the defence to meet a perfect cross from Denzel Dumfries and secure his brace with a clinical header.
FIFA World Cup 2026, Qualifiers
Lithuania - Netherlands 2:3 (2:2)
Goals: Depay, 11 (0:1); Timber Q., 33 (0:2); Gineitis, 36 (1:2); Girdvainis, 43 (2:2); Depay, 64 (2:3)
Lithuania: Gertmonas; Armalas; Lekiatas; Girdvainis; Lasickas; Gineitis; Antanavicius (Vorobjovas M., 46); Dolžnikov (Magdušauskas, 76); Upstas (Beneta, 50); Sirgedas (Golubickas, 67); Jansonas (Paulauskas Gy., 46)
Substitution: Vorobjovas M. (from 46); Paulauskas Gy. (from 46); Beneta (from 50); Golubickas (from 67); Magdušauskas (from 76)
Bench: Švedkauskas; Adamonis; Stankevičius; Petkevicius; Kalinauskas; Jankauskas E.
Yellow Cards: Lasickas 28; Golubickas 94
Netherlands: Verbruggen; van Dijk; Ake (van de Ven, 62); de Vrij (Timber J., 62); Dumfries; Reijnders (Steijn S., 62); Schouten; Depay (Weghorst, 83); Gakpo; Timber Q.; Malen (de Ligt, 88)
Substitution: van de Ven (from 62); Timber J. (from 62); Steijn S. (from 62); Weghorst (from 83); de Ligt (from 88)
Bench: Roefs; Flekken; van Hecke; Koopmeiners T.; Gravenberch R.; Simons Xavi; Lang N.
