Oranje beat Finland 0-2 to win first game in their World Cup qualification campaign

Oranje won their first game in the qualification campaign for the World Cup of 2026. Ronald Koeman’s side defeated Finland 0-2 in the Olympic Stadium in Helsinki. The goals were scored by Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries.

Ronald Koeman opted for Nathan Ake in the left-back position. The Man City defender was preferred to Jorrel Hato and Mickey van de Ven. Jeremie Frimpong was chosen to start on the right wing.

Oranje made a great start to the game, taking the lead after 6 minutes played. A very poor attempt at a chested back-pass by Finland midfielder Kaan Kairinen was intercepted by Memphis Depay. The striker finished coolly to come within two goals of Robin van Persie’s tally as Oranje’s record goalscorer.

Finland seemed to lack the quality to trouble Oranje, and Koeman’s side made it 0-2 in the 23rd minute. A chipped cross to the back post from Cody Gakpo was side-footed into the goal by Denzel Dumfries.

Depay should have gotten his second goal of the game in the 57th minute when another poor giveaway by Finland gave the Netherlands a chance to score. But Depay’s effort was saved by Finland’s goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

Most of the second half was played out in a similar way to the first. Oranje was in control with neither team creating many chances. All in all, it was a dull game, but Oranje will be pleased with an easy win with no injuries sustained.

Koeman’s men face Malta at the Euroborg in Groningen on Tuesday evening in their second game of the group stage for qualification.