Wesley Sneijder helped the Netherlands ease to a 5-0 victory in their World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg, celebrating his new record of 131 caps for his country.

  • By Michael Statham
  • Follow Michael on Twitter @EredivisieMike

Dick Advocaat, now officially in charge of the Oranje following his departure from Fenerbache, decided to start the likes of Sneijder, Vincent Janssen and Memphis Depay in a strong starting XI.

De Kuip’s visitors Luxembourg shaped up in a relatively ambitious 4-4-2, but consequently left too much space for the Dutch to exploit.

It didn’t take long for Robben and Janssen to find the room in behind – only solid goalkeeping kept them out.

However, on the 21st minute, the Bayern Munich winger did manage to find the finish. Wesley Hoedt threaded a ball through an open Luxembourg midfield to Robben, who slotted in calmly.

The second goal followed just before half-time. Wesley Sneijder, celebrating not only his birthday but also a record-breaking 131st cap for the Netherlands (overtaking Edwin van der Sar), collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and smashed home.

Further ovations came from the crowd on the 63rd and 69th minute. Firstly, Georginio Wijnaldum side-footed in a cross that wasn’t cleared, then substitute Quincy Promes was free to head in a Stefan De Vrij cross.

Finally, Janssen blasted in a penalty for a deserved fifth on the night.

It was a very comfortable win for the Netherlands, largely thanks to the low quality and questionable tactics from the opposition. Nevertheless, the play was quicker from the Dutch with a more ambitious eye for goal.

Nathan Aké made his competitive debut to ensure he cannot switch allegiance to the Ivory Coast, but the night belonged to Sneijder, who can celebrate after a marvellous day.

What a shame then that Sweden’s late, 2-1 win over France (also in Group A) means that qualification now appears even more difficult for the Dutch.




Michael Statham (853 Posts)

Writer/interviewer/YouTuber for Football-Oranje. Massive Dutch football fan from the UK. Follow me @EredivisieMike & subscribe to Football-Oranje on YouTube.