Oranje crushes Malta in party mood with Memphis on record hunt

Last week a satirical tv show in The Netherlands explained how it feels that the real challenge for Oranje is not to win a tournament or qualify for anything, but mainly to get Memphis to 50 goals. They showed a series of clips from Memphis’ 40st goal all the way to now, where every commentator kept on waxing lyrically about that Van Persie record.

Well, finally, we can stop emphasizing this and just focus on the game again. Memphis got his two goals (“I think I could have scored another one!”) and shares the record with RVP. I don’t think anyone doubts that Depay will go beyond 50.

Regulars here will know I am not much for friendlies and these WC qualification games also don’t warm my cockles. I mean… we can only disappoint right? We play minions and we usually play slow and sluggish football, or we play a game against a big team and try our best but lose.

The away game versus Finland was a “meh” game. We won. We got three points. Well done. Move on. There was not much fun. The game peetered out, we didn’t score more than two early goals and were ok with it.

I mean, playing away in Finland when your proper club season has ended is not easy.

The home game versus Malta was not a game I expected much from. Ok, I did say 6-0 on this blog but it was wishful thinking. Usually, we go 0-1 behind and then win it 2-1 or so. Or so my memory tells me.

Not this time!

Playing in the stadium where Ronald and Erwin Koeman started their careers and Virgil first got his supporters on the benches might have added to the vibe.

And Oranje started with flair and good intent. Memphis started, Gakpo and Xavi on the wings and our midfield and defense did a massive job pushing forward and keeping Malta in their vice.

And you have to give it to Malta, they didn’t park the bus or kick out at anything moving with an orange jersey on. They tried to play from the back and were quite open, which helped.

An early pen always helps and if Kluivert had his proper shoes on we would have seen more than 3 goals in the first half. Depay scored two in the first quarter which got everyone excited, but Virgil’s third of the night was the stand-out for me. It was Virgil who was pressing high and marking his man close to their box. A 1-2 with Frenkie (who had 2 assists) and the former Groningen man rammed the ball low in the corner. What a celebration.

I was happy to see Xavi and Donyell on the score sheet as well, as they both deserve a bit more in Oranje. Lang got his goal too and Mickey Van der Ven got his first Oranje goal (after missing a big opportunity in the first half).

I think we can safely say that we have all the ingredients in place to do really well at the World Cup.

Of course, we will need some luck as well, as would any team. Trying to have all key players fit is one aspect. Keeping the vibe positive in the squad is another aspect. Koeman is maybe our weakest link but with Erwin and Wim Jonk at his side, he will most likely make logical decisions.

Considering that players like the Timber bros, De Ligt, Veerman, Schouten, Taylor, Koopmeiners, Hartman, Brobbey, Hato and others aren’t part of this squad (for different reasons) tells you how strong this squad is, potentially.

The key will be to keep that vibe in the squad high. To me, that is Koeman’s biggest job. The talent and experience is there. We don’t have many weak spots (maybe the #9 position, but I can see Meerdink potentially filling in that void in the future).

So now, our lads are either going on a holiday or to the World Cup for clubs. I’m already keen for next season, with Frimpong at Liverpool, Reijnders at City, Olij at PSV and who knows what else? Will Memphis return to Europe? Will Xavi make a big move away from Leipzig? Will Taylor stay at Ajax? Will Brobbey find his form again? How will the Timbers return from injury and will Schouten get back to his best level? Will Sem Steijn find the net in De Kuip?

So many questions. Enjoy the break, people and stay positive.