Memphis Depay sealed victory for the Netherlands over France on Friday night
Already leading through Gini Wijnaldum’s opener, the Dutch’s Uefa Nations League win over the world champions was capped by a stoppage time penalty from Depay.
Facing Hugo Lloris in the French goal, the former Manchester United winger calmly dinked a Panenka over the Tottenham goalkeeper to double Ronald Koeman’s side’s lead in Feyenoord’s De Kuip stadium.
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Depay, who left United for Lyon in January 2017, has been in good goalscoring form lately, scoring seven times in his last nine outings for club and country. Such stats are likely to breathe new life into talk of a possible return to Old Trafford, especially following reports that United negotiated a buy-back clause before he sealed his move to the Ligue 1 club nearly two years ago.
Victory for the Dutch on Friday was enough for Germany to be relegated from their Nations League group, after managing just a single point from their first three games in the competition.
World champions France only needed a point in Rotterdam to win their group. Though they are still top, a draw for the Oranje against Germany on Monday will see Didier Deschamps’ side slip to second.
Should the Dutch avoid defeat in Gelsenkirchen, they will progress to next June’s Nations League finals at France’s expense. Winning the group will also guarantee them a play-off berth for Euro 2020 – should they fail to qualify next year.
France, who have now played all of their Nations League group games, will turn their attentions to a friendly with Uruguay, scheduled to take place in Paris’ Stade de France on Tuesday night.
