Tijjani Reijnders hat-trick inspires Netherlands to 7-0 win over Greece

The Netherlands moved to the top of their UEFA Nations League group with a 7-0 victory over Greece, as Tijjani Reijnders scored three times in the fifth round of matches.

Jorrel Hato and Tijjani Reijnders gave the Netherlands a commanding start before Reijnders completed his hat-trick. Jurrien Timber then scored twice, while Donyell Malen and Crysencio Summerville were also on target.

The result took the Netherlands to 11 points at the summit of Group B. Greece remained second on eight points, level with Germany.

It was Greece’s heaviest defeat since 25 March 1938, when they lost 11-1 to Hungary in a World Cup qualifier.

Reijnders also became the first Netherlands player to score a first-half hat-trick since Marco van Basten did so against Malta in December 1990. Frenkie de Jong captained the Netherlands for the first time in his career.

Summerville opened the scoring after six minutes, taking advantage of a mistake in the Greece defence to run through on goal and finish.

Reijnders doubled the advantage with a powerful strike from inside the penalty area. He added a third for the Netherlands in the 18th minute, completing a well-worked team move to score his second of the match.

His hat-trick arrived in the 33rd minute, when he converted Denzel Dumfries’ pass to put the Netherlands 4-0 ahead.

Timber made it five five minutes before half-time, finishing from Malen’s cross. He struck again in the 59th minute, completing another delivery from Malen for his second goal of the game.

Malen completed the Netherlands’ seven-goal haul two minutes later, meeting Dumfries’ cross to score the final goal.

The Netherlands will finish their group campaign against Germany on Monday, knowing a victory would secure top spot after their emphatic win.

Germany also strengthened their position with a 3-1 victory over Serbia in the fifth round of the group stage.

Their goals came through an own goal by Strahinja Pavlovic, Florian Wirtz and Brajan Gruda. Serbia’s only goal was scored by Srđan Babic.

Germany moved level with Greece on eight points in second place, behind the Netherlands, who lead the group with 11 points.