Could anyone have predicted a first half like this under Xavi Hernandez? The Netherlands were 5-0 up at the break and went on to beat Greece 7-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Friday evening, 13 November 2026, at the Johan Cruijff ArenA in Amsterdam, putting the Spanish coach firmly in the spotlight.
Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring in the 6th minute before Tijjani Reijnders struck a hat-trick in the 12th, 18th and 33rd minutes. Jurrien Timber added goals in the 40th and 59th, and Donyell Malen completed the rout in the 61st. According to ESPN, the result equalled the record for the biggest win in Nations League history and kept the Dutch unbeaten under their new coach, despite the absence of the injured Virgil van Dijk and Brian Brobbey.
"The first half was amazing, so I have to congratulate the players. But it's just one game," Xavi said, as quoted by the Associated Press. The Netherlands lead Group A2 with 11 points, three clear of Germany, who host them in Berlin on Monday, 16 November.
Source: Associated Press, ESPN, Greek City Times
