Ronald Koeman believes the Netherlands are almost certain of a spot in next year's World Cup following their 4-0 thrashing of Malta on Thursday. 

Koeman watched on as his two penalties in either half from Cody Gakpo put the Oranje in control at Ta'Qali National Stadium before Tijjani Reijnders got in on the act. 

And having joined the squad late after his passport was stolen in Brazil, substitute Memphis Depay netted in second-half stoppage time with his 53rd international goal. 

The Netherlands are now three points clear at the top of Group G with three qualifying fixtures remaining, with their next match seeing them face third-placed Finland. 

The last time the Oranje failed to qualify for the World Cup was for the 2018 edition in Russia, but Koeman was confident of their place in next year's tournament. 

"We won 0-4, so that's good," said Koeman. "I don't find it frustrating, but we could have done things better.

"I thought we started well, although we gave away a chance to Malta in the third minute. Is the job done? For the most part, yes.

"You have to win the home game, but we want to win all three games. We also owe it to our position to become first.

"Whether I look back with satisfaction? It's not over yet. I'll be satisfied if we finish first in the group, but it's not like we're going to run the polonaise."

The Netherlands were worthy of their win here, having generated an expected goals (xG) total of 3.4 from their 22 attempts, compared to Malta's 0.4 from their seven shots. 

But it was Gakpo who stole the show, with the Liverpool forward becoming the first Dutch player to score twice from the penalty spot in a single game (excluding shootouts) since Rob Rensenbrink against Iran at the 1978 World Cup.

"I was allowed to take the penalty because Memphis was not on the field," Gakpo said.

"There was not really a clear agreement who could take him; it was up to me and Wout Weghorst.

"At Liverpool, I can never take them. But normally it goes pretty well for me. I only missed a penalty kick once. That was for PSV against FC Copenhagen."

Gakpo also ended the contest with a team-high total for chances created (five), while only Depay (five) had more shots than the two-goal hero (four, level with Reijnders).