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Netherlands forward Cody Gakpo converted two penalties while Tijjani Reijnders and Memphis Depay also scored in a 4-0 win away to Malta on Thursday as the Dutch opened up a three-point lead in World Cup qualifying Group G, Reuters reported ​​​​​​.

The victory moved the Netherlands to 13 points ahead of second-placed Poland, who have also played five matches, and Finland who have 10 points from six games.

The result puts the Dutch closer to World Cup qualification with a home game against Finland in Amsterdam on Sunday giving them a chance to consolidate their position, according to Reuters.

The Czech Republic battled to a goalless draw in their World Cup qualifier against Croatia on Thursday, holding off the group leader's who poured on the pressure in the final minutes in search of a winner, Reuters reported.

Both teams defended with discipline throughout the match as they looked to avoid big mistakes with players quickly shutting down attacks in dangerous areas and not giving up many goal-scoring chances.

The Czechs, learning their lesson from a 5-1 away drubbing by Croatia in June, pressed high from the start with midfielder Pavel Sulc missing an early opportunity with a shot straight at Croatian keeper Dominik Livakovic, according to Reuters.

Scotland stunned Greece with a 3-1 home win in their Group C qualifier on Thursday to take a big step towards a first World Cup since 1998 on a night that saw manager Steve Clarke equal the national record for most games in charge, Reuters reported.

Goals from Ryan Christie, Lewis Ferguson and Lyndon Dykes turned the game around for the hosts after Kostas Tsimikas had given Greece a deserved lead just past the hour mark.

The Tartan Army had nothing to celebrate in the first half at Hampden Park when Scotland failed to muster a shot on target, with the visitors dominating possession but squandering opportunities, according to Reuters.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund and substitute Anders Dreyer both netted twice as Denmark roared to a 6-0 win over Belarus in their World Cup qualifying clash on Thursday that leaves them top of Group C on goal difference, Reuters reported.

With Belarus banned from playing at home since March 2022 for facilitating Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the game took place behind closed doors in Hungary, and when Victor Froholdt gave the Danes the lead in the 14th minute their celebrations echoed around the empty ground.

The 19-year-old turned provider five minutes later, steering the ball into the path of Hojlund for a close-range finish to make it 2-0, with the goal allowed to stand after a lengthy VAR check for offside, according to Reuters.