The Netherlands beat Cyprus 12-0 in Groningen in their 2023 World Cup qualifier despite the absence of superstar Lieke Mertens. Vivianne Miedema, who scored a six-goal haul, Jill Roord, who scored three times, Lineth Beerensteyn, Sherida Spitse and Esmee Brugts were the scorers against the Galanolefki.
The Oranje, who had already won the first leg 9-0, had to wait until the 23rd minute to break the deadlock. Miedema slipped between two defenders to thwart Maria Matthaiou, the Cypriot goalkeeper. The goal launched the Dutch attacking armada, which by half-time was leading 5-0. In the second half, the Lionesses' festival continued. By the hour mark, the Dutch had scored nine goals and there was no doubt that the scoreline would increase. Mark Parsons' side eventually won 12-0 and equalled their record victory over Israel in 1977. The Netherlands moved ahead of Iceland in the group but have a game in hand. The European champions will continue with a friendly against South Africa in The Hague from 18:45 on Tuesday. The World Cup qualifier against Belarus was cancelled due to the war in Ukraine.
