Tijjani Reijnders scored a first-half hat-trick as the Netherlands moved to the brink of the Nations League quarter-finals with a 7-0 demolition of Greece at Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Xavi’s side scored five times before half-time against the previously unbeaten visitors and added two more after the interval to move three points clear at the top of Group A2 with one match remaining.
The hosts needed only six minutes to take the lead. Konstantinos Mavropanos’ attempted interception fell straight to Crysencio Summerville, who guided a low finish into the bottom-left corner.
Reijnders doubled the advantage six minutes later, receiving Joey Veerman’s pass before striking powerfully into the roof of the net from the left side of the six-yard box.
The midfielder claimed his second in the 18th minute. Greece failed to clear a corner, Donyell Malen returned the ball into the danger area and Reijnders prodded home from close range.
Greece briefly appeared to have reduced the deficit when Bart Verbruggen slipped and Fotis Ioannidis went around the goalkeeper to score into an empty net. However, Micky van de Ven intercepted the ball in front of Verbruggen and it struck Ioannidis’ hand, resulting in the goal being disallowed.
Reijnders completed his treble after 33 minutes, converting Denzel Dumfries’ knockdown with a shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar.
Jurrien Timber made it 5-0 five minutes before the interval, calmly finishing from a few yards out.
The Netherlands were less relentless after the break but extended their lead in the 59th minute. Timber was left unmarked and turned the ball into an empty net for his second goal.
Two minutes later, Malen ended his international goal drought by meeting Dumfries’ pass with a first-time finish beyond Konstantinos Tzolakis.
Summerville went close to adding an eighth late on after evading two challenges and entering the penalty area, but Tzolakis pushed his effort away.
Netherlands overwhelm Greece
The Netherlands had been expected to miss captain Virgil van Dijk and forward Brian Brobbey, who were both absent through injury, but they delivered a commanding attacking performance.
Greece had been difficult to overcome in their opening four matches, winning two and drawing two, yet Ivan Jovanovic’s team struggled throughout the first half. It was the first time since September 2001 that Greece had conceded five goals in a match.
The Netherlands had also not scored five times before half-time since that same period. They registered 11 shots before the interval, eight on target, and exceeded their 3.48 expected goals (xG).
Reijnders became the first Netherlands player to score a first-half hat-trick since Marco van Basten against Malta in December 1990. He scored with all three of his attempts.
Greece had previously gone unbeaten against Germany in the last international break, winning one and drawing one, and had drawn 2-2 with the Netherlands in the reverse fixture. Victory here would have confirmed them as Group A2 winners, but their failure to win leaves both teams competing for a top-two finish.
The Netherlands are now in control, although Germany’s victory means their position will be settled by a final-day meeting with Jurgen Klopp’s side. Greece will play Serbia, knowing a win could be enough to take them through.
