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The Netherlands moved to the cusp of securing a place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after routing Gibraltar 6-0 in Rotterdam.
Virgil van Dijk, Memphis Depay (2), Denzel Dumfries, Arnaut Danjuma and Donyell Malen were all on target for the Oranje. That has given returning manager Louis van Gaal a fourth win in as many games.
Los Llanis, ranked 197 in the world, were generally impressive in defence, but couldn't keep up with the Netherlands' quality. A ninth-minute opener from Van Dijk was followed by a brace from Depay. That virtually ended the match as a contest as the hosts went into the break with a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Dumfries, Danjuma and Malen then joined the party after the break to add more gloss to the scoreline. In the process, the Netherlands consolidated their position atop the Group G table with 19 points from eight games.
After failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the two-time finalists look poised to make a return to the quadrennial competition. On that note, here are the five major talking points from the game:
#5 Memphis Depay's manic opening half seals the deal for Netherlands
Memphis Depay was involved in four of the Netherlands' six goals on the night. But most of his work came during a pulsating opening half that also saw the Barcelona striker miss a penalty.
Depay started off with a fine assist for Van Dijk off a corner before getting on the scoresheet. He then had the chance to double his account from the spot after Graeme Torilla's handball had blocked De Vrij's header.
However, Gibraltar goalkeeper Bradley Banda guessed the right way to keep out Depay's effort from the spot. The 27-year-old soon atoned for his miss with a successful attempt from 12 yards.
Within the opening 45 minutes itself, the prolific marksman registered two goals and an assist, continuing his imperious form in the qualifiers.
Yet, those impressive numbers notwithstanding, Depay went on to create another goal after the break. He set up Malen for the Netherlands' sixth of the night with an impeccable, defence-splitting through-ball. It was truly a night to remember for the in-form striker.
#4 Gibraltar were defensively resilient despite the rout
The scoreline was so lopsided that anyone who didn't watch the game would think the Netherlands had a cruise. While that wasn't entirely untrue, that wouldn't have reflected Gibraltar's resilient defence.
The visitors displayed excellent man-marking from open play. They had as many as seven or eight black shirts in and around the penalty area whenever the Netherlands looked to build attacks.
They were obviously let down by two contentious handballs, which gave the home side as many penalties. But one of them was kept out by their debutant goalkeeper Bradley Banda.
Following Dumfries' goal early into the second half, the match was long over as a contest. But Los Llanis kept their defensive shape till two late Netherlands goals opened them up once more.
#3 Netherlands' substitutes add gloss to a terrific performance
After Denzel Dumfries made it 4-0 for the Netherlands, the match lost steam. The Netherlands took their foot off the pedal, while Gibraltar were simply content to absorb pressure.
However, some excellent substitutions from Louis van Gaal meant there were two more goals in the final quarter of the match. That added further gloss to the scoreline, making the match seem like a complete rout.
Arnaut Danjuma and Wout Weghorst, who came on at the same time (at the hour mark), combined for the fifth goal. The latter headed Depay's cross into Danjuma's path, who steered home a crisp volley from ten yards.
Just a few minutes after that goal, Malen came onto the pitch, and joined in on the act with just four minutes of normal time remaining. The 22-year-old latched onto a pristine through-ball from Depay, and made a composed finish beyond Banda.
The Netherlands were looking good at 4-0. But their immense quality off the bench meant the side extended their lead further and completed a stunning 13-0 win over Gibraltar across two games.
#2 Banda's heroics on Gibraltar debut win hearts
Gibraltar had a new player manning the sticks in Bradley Banda, a 23-year-old goalkeeper who plies his trade with local side Europa FC. Going up against a free-scoring Netherlands side gave him a baptism of fire on his international debut, but it wasn't all gloom and doom.
In the first half, Banda pulled off a stunning stop to save Depay's penalty by guessing the right way. He palmed the Barcelona striker's effort away with strong hands, in a crowning moment for him.
Depay soon redeemed himself, and found the net twice in quick succession. But it was a moment to savour for the young custodian who is only starting out with Los Llanis. On a night of heavy pummelling, it was a rare sight to cherish for the away fans.
#1 Netherlands in firm control of their qualifying group
Louis van Gaal's side hold only a two-point lead at the top of Group G. with as many games remaining in the qualifying campaign. But their form suggests they should book their place in Qatar.
The Netherlands have been the most impressive outfit, not just in the group, but in the entire UEFA zone. That is thanks to their free-scoring form and Memphis Depay's stellar performances in front of goal.
They have scored 29 goals in eight games, an average of more than three and a half goals a game, while conceding only six times. Needless to say, both are the best stats in their FIFA World Cup qualifying group.
On the final day, they take on Norway, who're second and competing with Turkey to advance into the next round. Presuming the Nordic outfit emerges victorious in their ninth game, a lot will be riding on this game.
So Netherlands can expect a tough contest. But even then, they've been so good since losing to Turkey on the opening day that the Oranje look good to go through.
