Netherlands Beat Gilbraltar, Turkey Draw

PARIS: The Netherlands narrowed the gap with Group G leaders Turkey to one point after a 7-0 win in Gibraltar in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Frank de Boer’s squad was not in top form but grabbed maximum points after taking quite some time to break through the dwarf opponents ’fortifications playing in front of their own spectators after the success of the Gilbraltar vaccine program.

Steven Berghuis opened the scoring three minutes before the break and in the second half the Dutch managed to dominate the game.

Luuk de Jong made it 2-0 in the 55th minute and three more goals followed through Memphis Depay, Georginio Wijnaldum and Donyell Malen.

Donny van de Beek blasted a sixth goal from close range before Depay added his second with two minutes left in the game.

The Netherlands are now getting closer to Turkey who beat them in the previous group opening match.

Davis Ikaunieks’ goal gave Latvia a 3-3 draw in Istanbul.

The Netherlands are now six points clear of Norway and Montenegro, who lost 1-0 at home to Norway.

Croatia advanced to Group H with a 3-0 win over Malta.

They are six points behind Russia who lost 2-1 at the hands of Slovakia.