The Netherlands delivered a statement Nations League performance on Friday, dismantling previously unbeaten Greece 7-0 in Amsterdam to remain undefeated under new head coach Xavi and equal the largest margin of victory in the tournament’s eight-year history.
First-Half Blitz Seals Record-Equaling Win
The Oranje tore through the Greek defense from the opening whistle, racing to a 5-0 lead by halftime before adding two more after the break. Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring in the sixth minute, setting the stage for a ruthless 21-minute hat trick from Tijjani Reijnders. Defender Jurriën Timber added a brace, and Donyell Malen capped off the seven-goal rout.
With the result, the Netherlands joins England, Germany, and Finland as the only nations to win a Nations League match by seven goals—matching England’s 7-0 triumph over Croatia just last month.
For Reijnders, the treble marked the second hat trick of his career, both achieved within the span of two weeks after the former Manchester City midfielder also netted three times for Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah at the end of October.
"It's amazing, especially scoring a hat-trick for the national team," Reijnders told UEFA. "This is what we've been training for, and today it went very well."
Despite the historic scoreline, Xavi kept his side grounded afterward: "The first half was amazing, so I have to congratulate the players. But it's just one game. We need to continue like this, but this is the way."
Historic Collapse Leaves Group A2 Wide Open
The loss represents a stunning setback for Greece, who entered Friday unbeaten in the group and had claimed a notable victory in Germany back in September. It was the first time the Greek national team had conceded seven or more goals in a match since a 7-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Denmark in May 1989.
"There's not much to say about today," admitted Greece's Arsenal winger Christos Tzolis. "We had a very bad start; we conceded every chance the opponent had. I think the first half was the worst performance of the national team."
Group A2 Standings & Final Matchday Stakes
Following Germany’s 3-1 win over bottom-placed Serbia on Friday, the race for the top two quarterfinal spots remains wide open heading into Monday’s decisive finale:
Netherlands: 11 pts (Faces Germany away in Berlin)
Greece: 8 pts (Hosts winless Serbia)
Germany: 8 pts (Hosts the Netherlands)
Serbia: 0 pts (Eliminated)
With head-to-head record serving as the primary tiebreaker, all three contenders—the Netherlands, Germany, and Greece—remain in contention to advance when the group concludes on Monday.