World Cup Qualification: Depay the hero of the day as Netherlands survive a scare against Luxembourg

Memphis Depay came off the substitutes' bench to score a crucial double as Netherlands survived a major scare in 2018 World Cup qualifying to win 3-1 in Luxembourg.

Arjen Robben put the visitors ahead a year to the day since his last Netherlands appearance, when he scored twice in a 3-2 friendly victory over Wales.

Luxembourg grabbed a shock equaliser just before half-time, though, with Joshua Brenet conceding a penalty on his first Oranje start to allow Maxime Chanot to slot home from the spot.

But half-time substitute Depay – yet to start for Manchester United in the Premier League this season, but drawing the interest of Everton boss Ronald Koeman – scored an excellent header and sealed victory with an impressive late free-kick to spare head coach Danny Blind's blushes.

The victory moves Netherlands up to second in Group A, above Sweden on goal difference and three points behind leaders France. Luxembourg remain bottom on one point.