Lithuania wrapped up their 2025 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey on Monday evening, suffering a 0:4 loss to the Netherlands and finishing bottom of their group. Edgaras Jankauskas’ side travelled to Amsterdam hoping to end a difficult campaign on a positive note, but the evening at the Johan Cruijff Arena quickly revealed the gap between the two teams.
Compared to the recent friendly against Israel, Jankauskas made only two changes: Edvinas Gertmonas returned between the posts, while Modestas Vorobjovas replaced Paulius Golubickas in midfield.
The reverse fixture in Kaunas two months earlier had provided a rare spark of optimism. Lithuania had scored twice to come from behind thanks to goals from Gvidas Gineitis and Edvinas Girdvainis, before Memphis Depay restored the Netherlands’ lead in the second half to secure victory. This time, however, there would be no repeat.
In front of more than 55,000 spectators in Amsterdam, the Dutch instantly asserted control. Their early dominance paid off in the 16th minute, when Tijjani Reijnders found space inside the box and drilled the ball past Gertmonas for the opener.
The Netherlands continued to press aggressively, firing repeatedly at Lithuania’s goal. Gertmonas responded with several strong saves, and the woodwork even came to Lithuania’s rescue after another dangerous Reijnders strike. Despite being clearly second-best, Lithuania managed to reach the interval trailing by only one goal – a small victory in itself.
Any hope of containing the Dutch evaporated after the break. Even with fresh legs introduced by Jankauskas, Lithuania could not withstand the growing pressure.
A VAR review resulted in a penalty, confidently converted by Cody Gakpo, doubling the Netherlands’ advantage. Moments later, Xavi Simons produced a brilliant curling finish into the top corner for 3:0.
Barely two more minutes had passed when Donyell Malen surged from midfield on a solo run and blasted the ball home, stretching the score to 4:0 and sealing a ruthless three-goal burst in rapid succession.
Lithuania created their only truly dangerous moment in the 69th minute. Tomas Kalinauskas delivered a precise cross, but substitute Markas Beneta failed to direct his free header on target – a missed opportunity to at least put his team on the scoresheet.
The final minutes passed without further drama, and the scoreboard remained unchanged.
Lithuania close the qualifying campaign with three points from eight matches, finishing behind the Netherlands, Poland, Finland, and Malta – the latter overtaking Lithuania after a win and a draw in the final international window.
For Jankauskas and his squad, the statistics paint an uncomfortable picture: 16 consecutive matches without a victory and no wins recorded in the entire calendar year. The focus now shifts to 2026, where the team will seek to rebuild confidence and finally break their extended winless streak.
Netherlands vs Lithuania – 4:0 (1:0)
Goals: Reijnders 16′, Gakpo 58′ (Penalty kick), Simons 60′, Malen 62′
World Cup 2026 qualifying Group G
| # | Team | GP | W | D | L | PTS |
| 1 | Netherlands | 8 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 20 |
| 2 | Poland | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 17 |
| 3 | Finland | 8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 10 |
| 4 | Malta | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| 5 | Lithuania | 8 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
