Cody Gakpo Is The Dutch Magic Man As The Netherlands Top Group A

Cody Gakpo starred again as the Netherlands top Group A
16:54, 29 Nov 2022

There’s something special about Cody Gakpo. In the Netherlands’ 2-0 win over Qatar, that saw them top Group A in style and leave the hosts pointless, he scored a truly tremendous opening goal. 

He’s now scored with his left, right and head in this year’s group stages and the leading scorer in the Eredivisie has already been one of the breakout stars of this World Cup. What will please Louis van Gaal the most is the terrific movement that tore apart the tournament hosts. 

It came after a slight period of Qatar pressure but in one swift move, Gakpo swiftly dashed their hopes. Three’s the perfect number for the Dutch at the minute. It was only Gakpo’s third shot of the tournament, but all three have ended up in the back of the net. That’s a ruthless level of efficiency that could take the Dutch far in the tournament. 

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He’s still only 23, but joined Johan Neeskens, Dennis Bergkamp and Wesley Sneijder to score in three consecutive World Cup matches for the Dutch. Yet Gakpo will draw many headlines, even when this tournament has concluded, given he is expected to leave PSV Eindhoven in 2023. 

Judging by his performance in this World Cup, and the fact that his contract runs until 2026, you can expect his price tag to skyrocket with every goal he scores. Manchester United and Liverpool could well be in the running to sign him, and Erik ten Hag will be hoping his can bring his countryman through the door at Old Trafford. 

One interesting point came in the stands yet again. Tariq Panja reported that anybody holding a Hayya Card (the entry permit for Qatar) was being allowed into the stadium to fill seats after kick-off. The attendance as a result swelled from being about half full, to almost full before half-time. 

The break came and the Netherlands were deservedly 1-0 up, but it could have been more. In the opening moments Daley Blind couldn’t force his close range effort home after some good Memphis Depay movement, and the experienced left wing-back, who was making his 97th international appearance, was in acres of space again but couldn’t pick out a pass. 

Klassen blocked a decent shot on target before Depay fired over and then Cody Gakpo struck. He played a wonderful one-two with Davy Klaasen before he waltzed past the Qatar back line to slot the ball into the corner. 

The second half saw an instant second for Van Gaal. The returning Depay, who certainly added something extra to the Oranje attack, saw his effort saved but Frenkie de Jong was quickest to react and fired the ball over the line. 

They also had the ball in the net when Steven Berghuis tapped in, but there was adjudged to be a handball in the build-up. This was all done in second gear for the Dutch, who were far superior throughout. 

They’ll now face the runners-up of Group B containing England and Wales, which concludes tonight. Meanwhile Qatar's tournament ends the way many knew it would: pointless and embarrassed by every team they faced. 

*18+ | BeGambleAware

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