Football fans were treated to a dramatic World Cup qualifier as the Netherlands edged past Lithuania 3-2 in a tightly contested match held at the LFF Stadium, Kaunas on September 7, 2025. Despite taking an early 2-0 lead, the Dutch were stunned by a spirited Lithuanian comeback before Memphis Depay’s second-half goal sealed a narrow victory.
It was a night of milestones and warning signs for the Netherlands — with Depay becoming the country’s all-time leading goal scorer, even as their defensive vulnerabilities were once again exposed.
Match Overview — Lithuania vs Netherlands (7 September 2025)
Details | Match Summary |
|---|---|
| Venue | LFF Stadium, Kaunas |
| Match Type | FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier – UEFA Group G |
| Result | Netherlands won by 3-2 |
| Player of the Match | Memphis Depay (Netherlands) |
| Referee | Andreas Ekberg (Sweden) |
Lithuania’s Fighting Spirit Shines Despite Defeat
Lithuania entered the match as heavy underdogs but showed immense fight and character, especially after going 2-0 down within 35 minutes. Their response was swift and bold:
Gvidas Gineitis scored in the 36th minute, taking advantage of sloppy defending from the Dutch backline.
Just seven minutes later, Edvinas Girdvainis powered in a header from a set piece to level the game at 2-2.
The home crowd erupted, sensing a potential upset. Lithuania’s pressing and midfield control in the final 15 minutes of the first half disrupted the Dutch rhythm, forcing errors from seasoned players like Frenkie de Jong and Daley Blind.
Though the match ended in defeat, Lithuania walked away with pride and optimism for the future.
Netherlands: A Game of Goals and Gaps
The Dutch started strong and looked to cruise through the game early on:
11’ – Memphis Depay opened the scoring with a classy volley from Cody Gakpo’s cross.
33’ – Quinten Timber scored his first international goal with a clinical finish to double the lead.
However, what followed raised eyebrows. Defensive lapses allowed Lithuania back into the game before Depay once again proved to be the savior:
64’ – Depay’s second goal, a header from Denzel Dumfries’ cross, secured the win for the Netherlands.
Despite the result, coach Ronald Koeman admitted post-match that “too many duels were lost” and the performance “wasn’t convincing.”
Key Performances – Netherlands
Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Memphis Depay | 2 goals, 52nd goal for Netherlands – becomes all-time top scorer |
| Quinten Timber | 1 goal, high pass accuracy, strong midfield presence |
| Denzel Dumfries | 1 assist, constant threat down the right flank |
| Virgil van Dijk | Struggled aerially, called for tactical changes post-match |
Key Moments – Lithuania vs Netherlands
Depay’s opener in the 11th minute set the tone early.
Back-to-back goals by Gineitis and Girdvainis in the 36th and 43rd minutes brought Lithuania roaring back.
Depay’s winner in the 64th minute calmed Dutch nerves.
Cody Gakpo hit the crossbar in the 82nd minute, almost putting the game to bed.
Player of the Match — Memphis Depay
There could be no other choice. Memphis Depay not only scored a brace to win the match, but also made history by becoming the Netherlands’ all-time leading goal scorer with 52 international goals.
His performance under pressure, composure in the box, and intelligent movement were key to salvaging the game for the Dutch.
What This Means for Qualification
With this win, the Netherlands now sit top of Group G with 10 points from 4 matches. They remain unbeaten but will need to address their defensive issues quickly before tougher fixtures ahead.
For Lithuania, the result leaves them near the bottom of the group, but the performance sends a clear message — they are no longer pushovers.
Next Fixtures – UEFA Group G
| Team | Next Match |
|---|---|
| Netherlands | vs Malta – October 10, 2025 |
| Lithuania | vs Poland – October 10, 2025 |
| Group Highlight | Netherlands vs Poland – November 14, 2025 (Crucial) |
FAQs – Lithuania vs Netherlands 2025
Q1: Who was the top performer in the Lithuania vs Netherlands match?
A: Memphis Depay, who scored twice and became the Netherlands’ top scorer of all time.
Q2: How did Lithuania manage to equalize after going 2-0 down?
A: Gvidas Gineitis and Edvinas Girdvainis scored back-to-back goals in the first half to level the match.
Q3: Where does this result place the Netherlands in Group G?
A: The Netherlands now lead Group G with 10 points from 4 matches.
Q4: When is the next match for the Netherlands?
A: They play Malta on October 10, 2025.
Q5: Was this match part of World Cup qualifiers?
A: Yes, it was a qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands may have taken the 3 points, but the win came with a reality check. Defensive concerns, lack of composure, and lapses in concentration almost cost them dearly. That said, Memphis Depay’s brilliance continues to carry this team forward.
As for Lithuania, their fighting spirit, youthful energy, and tactical discipline were clear positives. If they can maintain this level, upsets might just be around the corner.
The qualifiers are heating up — and every match from here on could make or break World Cup dreams.
