AMSTERDAM: Striker Mexx Meerdink has withdrawn from the Netherlands squad for this week’s World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Finland, the Dutch football association said on Tuesday, after he suffered an injury two days into his first call-up.
The 22-year-old from AZ Alkmaar will not be replaced, it added, even though Memphis Depay was late arriving from Brazil after his passport went missing.
Coach Ronald Koeman has already said Depay would not start against Malta away on Thursday, leaving Donyell Malen as the likely first-choice striker for the game at Ta’Qali.
Malen, however, has a growing reputation as an impact player, or ‘super sub’ for the Dutch.
He boasts a better goal-scoring record as a substitute than as a starter with 10 goals in 27 substitute appearances, the best figures in the history of the Dutch national team.
“It’s something to be proud of,” Malen told reporters on Tuesday. “Sometimes you’re disappointed to be on the bench, but if you can stay mentally strong and produce good results, you can be proud.”
As a starter, Malen has been less productive with a single goal in 18 internationals.
The Netherlands also take on Finland at home on Sunday. They have 10 points from their opening four qualifiers, ahead of Poland on goal difference with a game in hand.
The group winners qualify directly for the finals in North America with the runners-up going into the playoffs.
Netherlands striker Meerdink injured two days into first call-up
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Netherlands striker Meerdink injured two days into first call-up
- The 22-year-old from AZ Alkmaar will not be replaced
- Malen, however, has a growing reputation as an impact player, or ‘super sub’ for the Dutch
Mohammad Alorabi crowned Saudi Toyota Drift Championship 2025 champion
- The event, hosted in Al-Ahsa, was organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation
- The final race drew an impressive crowd and unfolded in an atmosphere charged with excitement and intensity
AL-AHSA: Saudi driver Mohammad Alorabi was crowned on Friday as the champion of the Saudi Toyota Drift Championship 2025.
Alorabi secured the season title despite finishing second in the championship’s third and final round that ended Friday evening.
Hosted in Al-Ahsa, the event was organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), supported by the Ministry of Sport, and held in collaboration with Jameel Motorsport, the official partner, and the Saudi Motorsport Marshals Club.
The final race drew an impressive crowd and unfolded in an atmosphere charged with excitement and intensity, as competition escalated across all categories. During the awards ceremony, the top three winners from each of the championship’s three categories were crowned, marking a fitting conclusion to a highly competitive season.
The celebratory scenes underscored the event’s success and highlighted its growing stature within the Saudi motorsport landscape.
The Professional Class delivered a fierce finale, where Bader Alshurayhi clinched first place in the final round after a powerful and exceptional performance that set him ahead of the competition. He was followed by Mohammad Alorabi, who secured second place in the round yet maintained enough points to be crowned the overall Saudi champion for the 2025 season. Yousef Bahuwerth finished third, completing a highly competitive podium that reflected the strong level of talent in this category.
In the Semi-Professional Class, the action was equally intense. Obadah Osailan succeeded in securing the title after a closely fought battle, demonstrating consistency and skill throughout the final runs. He was followed by Abdulmohsen Alkhuriji in second place, while Omar Aldini claimed third, marking a strong conclusion to one of the season’s most competitive divisions.
The Amateur Class, known for its wide participation and spirited competition, saw Saud Abdullah Alabbasi emerge victorious after delivering an impressive performance that placed him firmly at the top of the standings. Fahad Ahmed Alhodayan finished in second place, showcasing solid control and improvement, while Mohammed Aljamid secured third place, completing a podium that highlighted the depth of rising talent in Saudi motorsport.
With these results, the Saudi Toyota Drift Championship 2025 concludes a season filled with excitement and high energy, further strengthening drift racing as one of the Kingdom’s leading motorsport disciplines.
