Lithuania 2-3 Netherlands: Depay makes history in five-goal thriller
Memphis Depay wrote his name into Netherlands history after scoring his 51st and 52nd international goals against Lithuania on Sunday.
Memphis Depay became the Netherlands' all-time top scorer after netting a brace in a topsy-turvy 3-2 win over Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday.
Depay surpassed Robin van Persie to become his country's leading marksman, while also helping Ronald Koeman's side stay unbeaten from their four matches in Group G.
But the Netherlands were made to work for their victory, having squandered a two-goal lead in the first half before Depay came to their rescue in the 63rd minute.
A dominant start by the Oranje was rewarded in the 11th minute when Cody Gakpo's run and cross from the left-hand side was steered beyond Edvinas Gertmonas by Depay.
The Netherlands doubled their lead through Quinten Timber, who scored his first international goal following a mistake in Lithuania's defence, but the hosts fought their way back.
Gvidas Gineitis reduced the deficit in the 36th minute after picking out the bottom-right corner, before Edvinas Girdvainis' powerful header restored parity shortly before the break.
However, Depay headed his team back in front just after the hour, meeting Denzel Dumfries' inviting delivery into the box to register his 52nd goal for his nation.
Gakpo then thundered an effort against the crossbar, but the Netherlands were able to withstand a late surge by their winless opponents to stay on track for 2026 World Cup qualification.
Data Debrief: Depay writes himself into the history books
The Netherlands have had many iconic forwards don the colours of the Oranje over the years, but Depay immortalised himself as one of the greats here with two goals.
However, Koeman will still be keen to see an improved display in their remaining qualifying matches.
While the Netherlands dominated the expected goals (xG) metric, boasting a total of 1.1 from their 14 shots to Lithuania's 0.34 from four attempts, they were almost stunned by their opponents, who more than played their part in the five-goal thriller.
Indeed, since the introduction of the FIFA rankings back in 1992, no country ranked as low as Lithuania (143rd) had ever scored against the Netherlands, giving Koeman food for thought ahead of their October clashes with Malta and Finland.
