Cody Gakpo scored two penalties as the Netherlands moved three points clear in Group G with a comfortable 4-0 win over Malta in their World Cup qualifying clash. 

Gakpo also set up Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders for the Netherlands' third goal, with Ronald Koeman's side now turning their attention to Finland on Sunday. 

But the Oranje survived an early scare in the opening minute when Virgil van Dijk's backpass was intercepted by Joseph Mbong, though he was unable to finish from a tight angle. 

However, the Netherlands quickly found their groove and were awarded a penalty when Kurt Shaw tripped Ryan Gravenberch in the box, despite Wout Weghorst finding the back just before referee Duje Strukan blew his whistle. 

Gakpo stepped up to send the spot-kick beyond Henry Bonello in the 12th minute, with the Liverpool forward then hitting the post three minutes after opening the scoring. 

The visitors were unable to add to their tally at Ta'Qali National Stadium before the break, but wasted little time in doubling their advantage shortly after the half-time whistle. 

Enrico Pepe dragged down Weghorst inside the area, with Gakpo making no mistake from 12 yards again as he placed the ball into the bottom-right corner with ease.

Gakpo thought he had completed his hat-trick in the 56th minute as he powered a header home from Jeremie Frimpong's cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside. 

But the in-form attacker would be involved again soon after, capitalising on a mistake by Bonello before unselfishly squaring the ball for Reijnders to apply the finishing touch. 

And the win was sealed in the third minute of second-half stoppage time when Denzel Dumfries' fierce cross was brilliantly steered into the net by the head of Memphis Depay.

Data Debrief: Gakpo makes Malta pay the penalty

After ending his long drought in front of goal against Chelsea in the Premier League before joining up with the Netherlands, Gakpo carried that momentum onto the international stage with an impressive scoring display here. 

Indeed, Gakpo became the first Netherlands player to score twice from the penalty spot in a single game (excluding shootouts) since Rob Rensenbrink against Iran at the 1978 World Cup.

But Depay also had to have his say. He has now recorded eight goal involvements (six goals, two assists) in qualifying, with only Norway's Erling Haaland (11) managing more among UEFA nations. 

And the Netherlands were worthy of their win here, having generated an expected goals (xG) total of 3.35 from their 22 attempts, though only eight were on target, compared to Malta's measly 0.44 from their seven shots at Bart Verbruggen's net.