Match report

Netherlands Defeats Malta 4-0 in World Cup Qualification

Malta
Malta
0–4
FT
Netherlands
Netherlands
Oct 9, 2025

Netherlands dominated Malta with a convincing 4-0 victory in their World Cup Qualification match. Captain Cody Gakpo scored a brace from penalties, Tjaronn Reijnders added another, and Memphis Depay sealed the win late in the game. The Dutch side maintained their lead in the group with a strong performance against a valiant but outclassed Malta.

Key Facts

  • • Malta 0-4 Netherlands
  • • C. Gakpo scored two penalties (12', 48')
  • • Tjaronn Reijnders (57') and M. Depay (90') added to the score
  • • Malta received four yellow cards throughout the match
  • • Netherlands secured a commanding victory in the World Cup Qualification

Lineups

Malta

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 1 H. Bonello (G)
  • 21 J. C. Corbalan
  • 5 K. Shaw (D)
  • 13 E. Pepe (D)
  • 3 R. Camenzuli (D)
  • 6 M. Guillaumier (M)
  • 23 A. Satariano
  • 7 J. Mbong (M)
  • 10 T. Teuma (M)
  • 9 Y. Chouaref (M)
  • 11 I. Cardona (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 J. Sissons
  • 16 R. Al Tumi
  • 2 J. Borg
  • 4 G. Mentz
  • 8 Y. Yankam
  • 14 B. Tuma
  • 15 M. Beerman
  • 17 K. Reid
  • 18 R. Scicluna
  • 19 J. Jones
  • 20 B. Paiber
  • 22 A. Overend

Netherlands

Formation: 4-3-3

Starting XI

  • 1 B. Verbruggen (G)
  • 22 D. Dumfries (D)
  • 3 J. Timber (D)
  • 4 V. van Dijk (D)
  • 15 M. van de Ven (D)
  • 8 R. Gravenberch (M)
  • 14 T. Reijnders (M)
  • 21 F. de Jong (M)
  • 12 J. Frimpong (F)
  • 9 W. Weghorst (F)
  • 11 C. Gakpo (F)

Substitutes

  • 13 R. Roefs
  • 23 M. Flekken
  • 2 J. P. van Hecke
  • 5 N. Ake
  • 6 S. de Vrij
  • 7 X. Simons
  • 10 M. Depay
  • 16 J. Schouten
  • 17 Q. Hartman
  • 18 D. Malen
  • 19 J. Kluivert
  • 20 T. Koopmeiners

Timeline

  1. Netherlands
    12' Netherlands Goal · Penalty
    C. Gakpo
  2. Malta
    37' Malta Card · Yellow Card
    R. Camenzuli

    Foul

  3. Netherlands
    40' Netherlands Var · Penalty cancelled
    W. Weghorst
  4. Malta
    47' Malta Card · Yellow Card
    Enrico Pepe

    Foul

  5. Netherlands
    48' Netherlands Goal · Penalty
    C. Gakpo
  6. Malta
    55' Malta Card · Yellow Card
    I. Cardona

    Foul

  7. Netherlands
    57' Netherlands Goal · Normal Goal
    T. Reijnders · Assist: C. Gakpo
  8. Netherlands
    61' Netherlands Card · Yellow Card
    V. van Dijk

    Foul

  9. Netherlands
    67' Netherlands subst · Substitution 1
    Off: W. Weghorst · On: M. Depay
  10. Netherlands
    67' Netherlands subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Jeremie Frimpong · On: D. Malen
  11. Netherlands
    67' Netherlands subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Frenkie de Jong · On: J. Kluivert
  12. Malta
    73' Malta subst · Substitution 1
    Off: A. Satariano · On: Y. Yankam
  13. Malta
    73' Malta subst · Substitution 2
    Off: J. Mbong · On: Adam Magri Overend
  14. Netherlands
    74' Netherlands Card · Yellow Card
    M. Depay
  15. Malta
    83' Malta Card · Yellow Card
    T. Teuma

    Foul

  16. Malta
    84' Malta subst · Substitution 3
    Off: T. Teuma · On: K. Reid
  17. Netherlands
    84' Netherlands subst · Substitution 4
    Off: C. Gakpo · On: Xavi Simons
  18. Netherlands
    84' Netherlands subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Micky van de Ven · On: Quilindschy Hartman
  19. Malta
    87' Malta subst · Substitution 5
    Off: I. Cardona · On: B. Tuma
  20. Malta
    90'+2 Malta Card · Yellow Card
    Adam Magri Overend

    Foul

  21. Netherlands
    90' Netherlands Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Depay · Assist: D. Dumfries

Match Stats

Stat Malta Netherlands
Fouls 15 6
Pass Accuracy 78% 91%
Offsides 1 4
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 7 22
Corners 1 6
Total Passes 302 511
Yellow Cards 5 2
Blocked Shots 4 7
Shots on Target 0 8
xG 0.35 3.24
Shots off Target 3 7
Possession 37% 63%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 235 464
Shots Inside Box 3 17
Saves 4 0
Shots Outside Box 4 5

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ C. Gakpo's first penalty (12') set the tone for Netherlands, giving them an early lead and confidence
  • ▸ The cancellation of Weghorst's penalty (40') could have affected Malta's morale, but they continued to fight
  • ▸ Malta's third yellow card (55') marked a turning point, as their discipline issues began to impact the game's momentum