The Netherlands beat Lithuania 3-2 in Kaunas, but did not convince whatsoever and had to fight for the victory during a visit to the 143rd-ranked team of the FIFA World Ranking.
Manager Ronald Koeman was not happy with Oranje's performance in Lithuania. "I am a bit angry," he told NOS.
"It's clear that we played with fire. Fortunately, it didn't cost us any points. Otherwise, it might have been disastrous."
The Netherlands were up 2-0 when Lithuania got back alongside the Dutch with two goals in the final twelve minutes of the first half. A mistake from PSV midfielder Jerdy Schouten led to Lithuania's first goal, while Stefan de Vrij gave away a cheap free kick that led to the 2-2.
Record-breaking Memphis
On a night when Oranje struggled to secure a win, history was made by Memphis Depay. The former Manchester United and FC Barcelona striker became the country's all-time leading goal scorer by bagging a brace and reaching 52 international goals, thus definitely overtaking Robin van Persie.
Koeman saw his players lack urgency after taking a two-goal lead, but was happy to have his striker. "We were going to do maybe 10 to 15 per cent less. You can't get yourself into that kind of trouble. That free kick was good, you have to give him credit for that. Stefan de Vrij was blocked, which created a gap.
"Fortunately, we had Memphis."
Sloppy week
The Netherlands were at risk of dropping points for the second time running after drawing to Poland at home last Thursday. "Was I shocked? Well, you see things happening that make you think: how is this possible?
"Look at the later stages, where Cody (Gakpo) and Micky (van de Ven) are both covering the same man, allowing a dangerous cross to be made. That should never happen."
The Netherlands still lead in group G, where Poland are on equal points but have an inferior goal difference. Koeman realises that the Netherlands, who meet Malta and Finland in October, need to improve as they reach the halfway point of their qualifying phase.
"During a good period, we had a team that was solid, aggressive and dared to play one-on-one. We can play decent football, but you won't win anything playing like this."