The Netherlands booked a late 3-1 win over Northern Ireland in Euro 2020 qualifying Group C on Thursday in Rotterdam, thanks to goals by Luuk de Jong and Memphis Depay in injury-time.

Until the 70th minute, the Netherlands were not able to break through the Northern Irish wall set up by coach Michael O'Neill. Then the home-team got its first opportunities, for Steven Bergwijn and Georginio Wijnaldum.

The chances went by and Northern Ireland scored on the other side. After lackluster defending by Daley Blind and Matthijs de Ligt, the substitute Josh Magennis put Northern Ireland 1-0 ahead in the 75th minute with a header.

The Netherlands arose in the final quarter. Memphis Depay scored after a delicate first touch on an assist by substitute Donyell Malen and in injury-time substitute Luuk de Jong tipped "Oranje" in front. After a solo Frenkie de Jong delivered for Depay, who placed his second goal in the corner of the goal to make it 3-1.

Thanks to the win, the Netherlands climbed to the top of Group C with 12 points from five matches, just like second placed Germany. Northern Ireland dropped to the third place with 12 points from six matches. The first two teams in the group will advance.

Earlier on Thursday, Belarus and Estonia drew 0-0 in Minsk. Next up for the Netherlands is Belarus in Minsk on Sunday. Germany play Estonia in Tallinn. 

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