Netherlands vs Lithuania: Full Match Recap & Key Moments

Match Overview

In a recent European Championship qualifier, the Netherlands showcased their strength against Lithuania with a commanding performance. The Dutch squad dominated possession and created numerous opportunities, securing a victory that solidified their position at the top of Group D. This high-stakes encounter saw tactical battles, standout individual performances, and critical moments that shaped the game's outcome.

Starting Lineups

The Netherlands manager named a formidable starting lineup, featuring stars like Memphis Depay in attack and Virgil van Dijk anchoring the defense. Full-backs Denzel Dumfries and Nathan Aké provided width and defensive stability. Lithuania, under coach Edgaras Jankauskas, opted for a compact 4-4-2 formation, relying on goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskas to keep the score respectable.

First Half: Dutch Dominance

The Netherlands asserted control early, pressing high and winning midfield battles. Memphis Depay nearly opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a curling effort that went just wide. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when Wout Weghorst connected with a pinpoint cross, heading home to give the Dutch the lead.

Wout Weghorst heads the Netherlands into the lead against Lithuania. - Image from https://sports.yahoo.com/article/netherlands-vs-lithuania-predicted-lineup-073600028.html

Lithuania struggled to build momentum, with their best chance coming from a set-piece. Linas Mėgelis saw his header saved by Bart Verbruggen just before halftime, highlighting the Netherlands' defensive resilience.

Second Half: Extended Pressure

The second half followed a similar pattern. The Netherlands doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Cody Gakpo slotted home after a slick passing move. Depay then capped off his performance with a brilliant solo goal in the 78th minute, dribbling past three defenders before finding the net.

Memphis Depay celebrates his brilliant solo goal against Lithuania. - Image from https://duckduckgo.com/?origin=funnel_home_website&t=h_&q=Memphis+Depay+solo+goal+celebration+Netherlands+team&ia=images&iax=images&iai=https%3A%2F%2Fc8.alamy.com%2Fcomp%2FT18BFH%2Famsterdam-netherlands-24th-mar-2019-memphis-depay-nl-10-scores-shoots-goal-for-2-2-celebrates-his-goal-for-happy-laugh-celebration-georginio-wijnaldum-nl-8-netherlands-germany-important-dfb-regulations-prohibit-any-use-of-photographs-as-image-sequences-andor-quasi-video-qualification-for-european-championships-em-quali-2020-season-20182019-march-24-2019-in-amsterdam-netherlands-credit-peter-schatzalamy-live-news-T18BFH.jpg

Lithuania mounted late attacks, but substitutions couldn't alter the flow. Substitute striker Tomas Mickevičius had a header saved in stoppage time, underscoring the Dutch defense's commanding presence.

Key Players

Virgil van Dijk was colossal at the back, winning 100% of his aerial duels and clearing all threats. Memphis Depay orchestrated attacks with his vision and added a goal, earning Player of the Match honors. For Lithuania, Giedrius Arlauskas made 8 saves, keeping the deficit manageable despite facing 24 shots.

Live Streaming & TV Information

Fans worldwide followed the match through multiple platforms. In the Netherlands, it aired on NPO 1 with live streaming available via ESPN+ in the U.S. and DAZN in Canada. For a complete viewing guide, visit Athlonsports.

What's Next?

The Netherlands travels to face France in their next qualifier, while Lithuania hosts Belarus. This victory boosts the Dutch' confidence ahead of a challenging fixture, while Lithuania seeks to regroup and secure points in a competitive group.