Match Report
Malta, 4th on 5 points, faced a 15-point deficit to Netherlands (1st, 20). The last five rounds placed Malta no better than 35th for form, against 4th in the standings. In league terms the two rates read 0.5/2.38 for Malta and 3.38/0.5 for Netherlands (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.66.
Netherlands had not lost in 8 games, having scored in 8 consecutive games. The last-five ledger: Malta 5/15, Netherlands 11/15.
Ta'Qali National Stadium in Ta'Qali staged the fixture, a ground that holds 8,000. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Netherlands led 1-0 at the break, before 3 more goals closed it at 0-4.
Goal scorers
Netherlands: Memphis Depay (90'), Cody Gakpo (12'), Cody Gakpo (48'), Tijjani Reijnders (57')