Depay breaks record as Netherlands survive Lithuanian comeback

In a night of drama in Kaunas, the Lithuanian national team fought back from two goals down in the first half of their FIFA World Cup qualifying clash, only for Dutch star Memphis Depay to strike again after the break and seal a hard-fought 3-2 victory for the Netherlands.

Lithuania’s head coach Edgaras Jankauskas fielded a lineup featuring several less-experienced players. Defensive gaps saw him start Vilius Armalas, making his first international appearance since March 2023, and Rokas Lekiatas, returning after a year’s absence. In midfield, Domantas Antanavičius earned just his sixth cap, while young forward Romualdas Jansonas, fresh from signing with Portuguese top-flight side Arouca, made his first-ever start for the national team.

By contrast, the Netherlands arrived with their full arsenal of stars, led by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

The opening minutes were a nightmare for Lithuania. Goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas was forced into three saves in the first six minutes before the inevitable breakthrough came in the 11th. Cody Gakpo’s neat assist set up Memphis Depay, who slotted home to make history as the Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer with 51 international goals, overtaking Robin van Persie’s long-standing record of 50.

The Dutch doubled their advantage just 20 minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive error. Quinten Timber pounced on a loose ball in the box and, with a touch of fortune, fired past the keeper from a tight angle to make it 2-0.

At that point, the match looked out of reach. But Lithuania stunned the visitors with a lightning counterattack. Full-back Justas Lasickas surged forward from his own half and picked out rising star Gvidas Gineitis, who smashed in a brilliant strike to give the home fans hope.

Suddenly, the Dutch wavered. Lithuania grew in belief, and on the stroke of halftime, they struck again. Gineitis delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the area, and defender Edvinas Girdvainis rose highest to head home his second ever international goal, leveling the match at 2-2. Against all odds, Lithuania went into the break on equal terms with one of Europe’s giants.

Jankauskas freshened his side with halftime changes, including bringing on Gytis Paulauskas in attack. But early in the second half, he was forced into another switch after defender Klaudijus Upstas picked up an injury.

The Netherlands pushed hard for a third, but Lithuania looked dangerous on the counter. Artūr Dolžnikov produced a lung-bursting run from deep, only to run out of steam before testing the goalkeeper.

Dutch head coach Ronald Koeman rang the changes with a triple substitution on 62 minutes. Two minutes later, Depay once again delivered the decisive moment. Meeting Denzel Dumfries’ cross with a powerful header, he beat Gertmonas low at the near post to restore the Netherlands’ lead, and with it, calm their nerves.

Lithuania refused to fold. Jankauskas even handed a debut to 21-year-old Vaidas Magdušauskas from FK Banga Gargždai, as the hosts pressed for an unlikely third goal. The final stages turned into a tense, end-to-end battle, with Lithuania pouring forward and the Netherlands hanging on. Several dangerous crosses in stoppage time forced desperate defending from the Oranje before the referee’s final whistle confirmed a narrow 3-2 Dutch win.

The result leaves Lithuania still searching for their first victory in this qualifying campaign. Their next tests come in October’s international window, with a trip to Finland followed by a home clash against Poland.

Lithuania vs Netherlands – 2:3 (2:2)
Goals: Gineitis 36’, Girdvainis 43’ | Depay 11’ 64’, Q.Timber 33’
LIT: Gertmonas, Lekiatas, Girdvainis, Armalas, Upstas (Beneta 50’), Antanavičius (Vorobjovas 46’), Gineitis, Lasickas, Sirgedas (Golubickas 67’), Jansonas (Paulauskas 46’), Dolžnikov (Magdušauskas 76’)
NED: Verbruggen, Dumfries, de Vrij (J. Timber 62’), van Dijk, Ake (Van de Ven 62’), Schouten, Q. Timber, Malen (de Ligt 88′), Reijnders (Steijn 62’), Gakpo, Depay (Weghorst 83’)