Lemar hits brace and Mbappe strikes as France thump Netherlands

Netherlands' hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup were dealt a major blow as France moved top of Group A with a resounding 4-0 victory in a one-sided qualifier at the Stade de France.

Antoine Griezmann's first-half strike put Dick Advocaat's visiting team up against it and their task was made even harder when Kevin Strootman received two quick-fire yellow cards just past the hour.

Thomas Lemar, who had been heavily linked with a deadline-day move to Liverpool or Arsenal, then compounded their misery with a quick-fire double before substitute Kylian Mbappe capped the confirmation of his move to Paris Saint-Germain with a superb fourth in stoppage time.

The Dutch, who brought on veteran hitman Robin van Persie for his first international appearance in almost two years, now sit fourth in the table - six points adrift of Les Bleus - with just three matches to play.

France are three points clear of second-placed Sweden after they lost 3-2 in Bulgaria, with just the top side guaranteed a spot at next year's World Cup.

Netherlands are in big trouble. For so long the total football and distinct 'Oranje' colour of the Dutch was one of the must-see features of international tournaments - but now they are in serious danger of following up their no-show at Euro 2016 by missing out on Russia 2018. It is less than four years on from their third-place finish at the last World Cup, but they look very much like a side in transition. The recalled veterans don't have the same sparkle while the youngsters don't appear to be of the same ilk. Their realistic target can only be a play-off berth now, and they face a crucial clash at home to third-placed Bulgaria on Sunday that they simply must win.

Thomas Lemar (France). Just one of a number of exciting, young French stars. Scored his first two goals for his country on his sixth appearance and on this evidence will no doubt have Liverpool and Arsenal fans wishing the speculation had resulted in a move.

FRANCE: Lloris 6, Kurzawa 7, Umtiti 7, Koscielny 7, Sidibé 7, Kante 7, Pogba 7, Coman 8, Lemar 9, Griezmann 8, Giroud 8. Subs: Mbappe 7, Lacazette n/a, Fekir n/a.

Netherlands: Cillessen 7, Fosu-Mensah 6, de Vrij 6, Hoedt 6, Blind 6, Strootman 4, Wijnaldum 5, Promes 5, Robben 5, Sneijder 5, Janssen 5. Subs: Vilhena 6, van Persie 5.

14'- GOAL! France 1-0 Netherlands. Griezmann plays a one-two with Giroud and bursts free in the area before easily slotting it beyond the keeper.

62' - RED CARD! Strootman shown a second yellow for catching Griezmann. Netherlands are faced with a mammoth task now.

72' - FRANCE CHANCE. Pogba dances into the penalty area on the left. He beats the final defender near to the byline but can't fire his shot beyond the frame of Cillessen.

73'- GOAL! France 2-0 Netherlands. Lemar surely seals victory with a sublime first-time 25-yard volley into the far corner.

88' - GOAL! France 3-0 Netherlands. Lemar taps in his second of the contest after Griezmann had a led and three-man charge towards Cillessen before putting it on a plate for his teammate.

89' - HOLLAND HIT THE BAR! Robben takes pass from RVP wide but still manages to unleash a thumping shot towards goal that crashes off the woodwork.

90+1' - GOAL! France 4-0 Netherlands. Mbappe caps a big day following his move to PSG with a sweeping finish after his initial run had led the Dutch a merry dance.

Mbappé has become the youngest scorer for Les Bleus (18 y 8 mo) since Georges Lech on 11 November 1963 (18 y 5 mo).

Olivier Giroud has been directly involved in seven goals in his last five starts for France.