Cody Gakpo Shines as Netherlands Advance in Euro 2024
In the thrilling last-16 encounter of the Euro 2024 tournament, the Netherlands secured a hard-fought victory over Romania, with Cody Gakpo leading the charge for the Oranje.
Gakpo, the Dutch forward with his distinctive blue hair, proved to be a thorn in the side of the Romanian defense, particularly against full-back Andre Ratiu. The 25-year-old Liverpool player showcased his dribbling skills and clinical finishing, opening the scoring with a well-placed shot inside the near post.
Despite the Dutch creating numerous opportunities, with 23 shots in total, it took until the final 10 minutes for Donyell Malen to seal the deal with a brace, securing the Netherlands’ progression to the next round.
Gakpo’s standout performance has seen him rise to the top of the golden boot table, alongside Jamal Musiala and Georges Mikautadze, with three goals in four games. Half of his international goals have now come at major tournaments, including three during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Head coach Ronald Koeman praised Gakpo’s versatility, noting his ability to play both on the left side and as a central striker. Koeman acknowledged the player’s tiredness towards the end of the match, but emphasized Gakpo’s overall impressive display and his potential to lead the Dutch charge as the tournament progresses.
“Cody has been fantastic for us throughout the tournament. His versatility and goal-scoring ability are invaluable, and we’re counting on him to continue leading the charge as we push for the title.”
- Ronald Koeman, Netherlands Head Coach
With the final stages of Euro 2024 looming, the Netherlands will be relying on Gakpo’s goal-scoring prowess and all-around performance to maintain their push for the title. As the competition intensifies, his clinical finishing could prove crucial in the Oranje’s quest for glory.
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