Netherlands destroy a poor Belgium side in Nations League action

Netherlands got their Nations League campaign off on the right foot by thumping Belgium 4-1 at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on Friday.

Although Belgium looked to be in control early on, Romelu Lukaku's departure due to injury in the 27th minute swung momentum over to the visitors. It came as no surprise then when Steven Bergwijn opened the scoring with five minutes remaining in the opening half. The Tottenham man collected the ball with his back to goal, before turning and firing an unstoppable effort into the bottom corner from 25 metres out.

It was a sign of things to come from the Netherlands, as Van Gaal's men took control of proceedings after the restart.

Memphis Depay doubled their advantage in the 51st minute after running onto Steven Berghuis pass and firing past Simon Mignolet.

The result was all but guaranteed 10 minutes later, with a Jasper Cillessen save kicking off a Dutch counter. Mignolet managed to save a shot from Berghuis, but Daley Blind followed up and rolled the ball across to Denzel Dumfries, who tapped home from close range.

The rout was completed when Depay added another, while Michy Batshuayi added a late consolation for the home side in injury time, as the Netherlands captured their first win over Belgium since 1997 in memorable fashion.