Wijnaldum scores two goals as Netherlands reach last 16 with 100% record

Wijnaldum scores twice, Depay scores one in Pandev's last competitve match as Netherlands reach last 16 with 100% record

Georginio Wijnaldum's two goals and one goal from Memphis Depay inspired the Netherlands victory over North Macedonia to secure a 100% record from their three matches in Euro 2020 Group C.

North Macedonia were determined to put on a show for Pandev's 122nd (and likely final) international game, with Aleksandar Trajkovski hitting the post with a hard shot from the edge of the box on 22 minutes.

🇲🇰 Goran Pandev bows out after 122 international appearances 👏👏👏#EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/ZCIRDembOy
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 21, 2021

The Dutch, on the other hand, shone upfront, even if they were occasionally frail in defence.

Donyell Malen, a constant threat, sent Depay galloping forward on the break in the 24th minute before receiving a return pass and teeing up the onrushing No10 to finish off one of the tournament's best movements with his 28th international goal.

Early in the second half, the Netherlands turned up the heat again, with Depay's clever ball in from the left making it easy for Wijnaldum to score his 24th Netherlands goal from close range.

His 25th was even easier, with the skipper sweeping up a loose ball after Stole Dimitrievski parried Depay's shot into his path.

Wout Weghorst struck the crossbar seconds after replacing Depay, but their last 16 opponents will be well aware that Frank de Boer's team has plenty more goals in them.

What the managers and players said

Georginio Wijnaldum, Netherlands midfielder, speaking to EURO2020.com: "It's always feels great to be man of the match, but if I’m honest Frenkie [de Jong] and Memphis [Depay] deserve it more than me. They were unbelievable today. The secret [to goalscoring] is to just be in the right place. As you saw today, they were two easy goals, but you have to stand in the place where the ball will come.”

Ryan Gravenberch, Netherlands midfielder, speaking to EURO2020.com: "It feels good to have had my first start for Oranje. Especially here, in my home stadium. I’m an Amsterdammer through and through. Lots of family were in the stadium this evening. We struggled to find our way in the beginning. But we created a few good chances. In the second half we weren’t as sloppy, and eventually took control of the match."

🇳🇱 17 goals in his last 28 games for the Netherlands...

🔝 Two-goal Dutch hero Georginio Wijnaldum = Star of the Match 🔥@Heineken | #EUROSOTM | #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/Ly22NEAqtP
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 21, 2021