Overview
- The Netherlands thrashed Greece 7-0 at the Johan Cruijff Arena on Friday, with Tijjani Reijnders scoring a first‑half hat‑trick and Donyell Malen also on the scoresheet.
- Virgil van Dijk missed the match through injury so Micky van de Ven was moved to centre back and Jurriën Timber started at left‑back according to the UEFA line‑up, and Xavi said Frenkie de Jong’s halftime withdrawal was precautionary, not a fresh injury.
- Xavi’s possession‑based, high‑press system produced a dominant first half driven by midfield combinations and forward runs, with Reijnders and Malen singled out for decisive finishing and chance creation.
- After four group games the Netherlands lead the Nations League pool on eight points and have improved their head‑to‑head goal advantage, a margin that leaves multiple scenarios for finishing in the top two and reaching the March 2027 quarterfinals.
- The win drew broad international praise for Oranje’s style while Greek media condemned the score as humiliating, and Xavi framed Monday’s trip to Germany as a very different tactical challenge that will test the team’s progress.