AFCON 2025
It was a night of big wins, bigger statements, and a few heart-stopping moments across Europe as World Cup qualifying returned with six action-packed games.
The Netherlands put on a goal-scoring clinic, Finland stunned Poland in front of a buzzing home crowd, and Serbia’s Mitrović reminded everyone he’s still a goal machine.
Here’s how the action went down across different venues in Europe today:
Netherlands 8–0 Malta (Group G)
The Netherlands delivered a spectacular performance, routing Malta 8–0. Memphis Depay opened the scoring with an early penalty and quickly added a second, equaling Robin van Persie’s all-time Netherlands scoring record (50 goals).
Goals from van Dijk, Simons, Lang, Micky van de Ven, and a Malen brace capped off a complete display. The win moves the Dutch to six points from two games, though they still trail Finland in Group G.
Finland 2–1 Poland (Group G)
Finland secured a dramatic 2–1 victory over Poland in Helsinki. Joel Pohjanpalo converted a penalty in the 31st minute, and Benjamin Kallman doubled the lead in the 64th.
Poland’s Jakub Kiwior pulled one back late, but Finland held firm despite a medical emergency in the stands that delayed play. This win propels Finland to the top of Group G with seven points from four matches.
San Marino 0–4 Austria (Group H)
Austria recorded a comfortable 4–0 win in San Marino. Marko Arnautović opened within minutes, adding another before half-time. Michael Gregoritsch and Christoph Baumgartner also found the net.
Austria now has six points from two games and sits second in Group H, three behind Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Romania 2–0 Cyprus (Group H)
Romania claimed a 2–0 home win over Cyprus. Details on goal scorers are scarce, but the victory boosts their Group H campaign, placing them in contention behind Austria and Bosnia, with both teams now level on six points .
Serbia 3–0 Andorra (Group K)
Serbia cruised past Andorra 3–0, highlighted by a hat-trick from Aleksandar Mitrović. This win strengthens Serbia’s case in Group K, where they trail England who top the group on nine points after three games .
Latvia 1–1 Albania (Group K)
Latvia and Albania played out a 1–1 draw. The result leaves England still ahead in Group K on nine points, with Albania now on five .
