AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -The Netherlands shrugged off a slow start to go on and register an emphatic 4-0 victory over Scotland in their friendly international at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Friday, finishing strongly in a morale-boosting triumph.

Tijjani Reijnders blasted home from outside the box in the 40th minute to set the Dutch on their way to a fourth successive win.

But they had to cling onto their lead, with Scotland twice hitting the woodwork, before 33-year-old Georginio Wijnaldum doubled the tally in the 72nd minute with a header from close range.

Substitutes Wout Weghorst and Donyell Malen added two more in the last six minutes as the home team finished strongly.

Both countries were using the game to prepare for this June’s European Championship where the Dutch compete in Group D while Scotland feature in the opening game against hosts Germany.

The Scots had the game’s first chance, in the 18th minute, when Ryan Christie ghosted late into the Dutch box, throwing himself at a cross from Billy Gilmour and powering a header at goal that home keeper Mark Flekken got a strong hand to and was able to deflect onto the crossbar.

There were also opportunities for Scott McTominay and Gilmour early in the second half, both denied by blocks from the Dutch defence, while Christie sent a header wide in the 51st minute as John McGinn found him unmarked in front of goal.