Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Depay strikes twice in Netherlands' 3-1 win

Four goals in the last 20 minutes meant that there were late goals galore as the Netherlands secured a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland in the Euro 2020 Group C Qualifier. The Oranje now sit comfortably atop Group C with 12 points. The 3-1 win against Northern Ireland means that the Dutch have now secured three straight wins in the Euro Qualifiers, with their only defeat in the coming against Germany. Northern Ireland are now third on the table with 12 points, placed behind Germany on goal difference. Germany and the Netherlands, however, have a game in hand.

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For a team ranked third in the world, Netherlands seemed destined to huff and puff their way to a win over Northern Ireland in the Group C Qualifiers. The Oranje enjoyed the lion's share of possession but were made to work hard for their win. The Qualifier seemed to open up a little in the second half, with PSV winger Steven Bergwijn, and Liverpool's ever-smiling midfielder Gini Wijnaldum coming close. The game did not see much action until the 75th minute, however. A moment of confusion between Daley Blind and Juventus centre-back Matthijs De Ligt meant that substitute Josh Magennis had an opportunity to stun the De Kuip stadium; an opportunity which the Hull City striker embraced with open arms. Northern Ireland's only effort on target in the match meant that they now led the Dutch, with just over 15 minutes to go. Their joy, however, was short-lived.

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Netherlands leave it late

While Michael O'Neill's men did their best to keep the Dutch at bay, Ronald Koeman's side dug deep in search for a winner. They didn't have to wait too long, as Lyon forward Memphis Depay equalised for the Dutch in the 81st minute. The former Manchester United winger's strike proved a fatal blow to Northern Ireland's hopes of qualifying for the Euros. The strike wasn't a clean one by any means, but it was more than enough to do the job. Nervy moments leading up to the 90-minute mark meant that Northern Ireland were on the brink of stealing a point against the Dutch. Luuk de Jong, however, had other ideas. The former Newcastle United striker bundled the ball in from the post on his second attempt to put the Dutch up in 92nd minute. Depay had the last say, with the Lyon star racing through the Northern Ireland defence for this second of the night.

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