Cody Gakpo's FIFA World Cup campaign continues to get better!
The Dutch ace took to the pitch once again as the Netherlands locked horns with Qatar in their third and final group stage fixture. The European heavyweights entered this clash knowing that a victory against the host nation would win them the group and thus named a strong lineup.
To no one's surprise, Gakpo started and was partnered with Memphis Depay. Given that the PSV ace had already scored in each of their first two games, there was no extra pressure for him to impress on Tuesday, but the talented attacker delivered nonetheless.
After only 26 minutes of play, the 23-year-old continued his brilliant goalscoring form and broke the deadlock for his country, netting a lovely goal past the Qatari goalkeeper. This was a right-footed effort, thus completing a perfect hat-trick as his first two were scored with his head and weaker left foot. Check out his goal versus Al-Annabi in the clips below (videos are geo-restricted).
GAKPO DOES IT AGAIN
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 29, 2022
He now has 3 goals in 3 games for the Netherlands pic.twitter.com/UolQaLqSck
Cody Gakpo is on
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) November 29, 2022
Netherlands lead against Qatar after a brilliantly worked goal!#FIFAWorldCup #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/QI3rd1RzAN
He is some talent this kid!
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) November 29, 2022
Cody Gakpo puts his side in the lead, joining Bergkamp, Sneijder and Neeskens as Dutch players to score in 3 consecutive World Cup matches!
Could we see a big money move some time soon for the PSV side? #ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/PGGDzsxPnL
And just like that, Gakpo made FIFA World Cup history. Never before had a Dutch player scored in each of his first three games in this competition but Cody has brought that to an end. Additionally, he joins an illustrious list of Netherlands players to score in three consecutive World Cup matches.
3 - Cody Gakpo is the first #NED player ever to score in each of his first three matches at the #FIFAWorldCup. Triple. pic.twitter.com/Zzi1J21NnV
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) November 29, 2022
players that have scored in three consecutive #FIFAWorldCup games:
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 29, 2022
Johan Neeskens (1974)
Dennis Bergkamp (1994)
Wesley Sneijder (2010)
Cody Gakpo (2022)
Amongst Company pic.twitter.com/SDogw5ITpW
Cody Gakpo has now scored as many World Cup goals for the Netherlands as Johan Cruyff (3).
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) November 29, 2022
The Eredivisie ace was linked with a Premier League transfer but that never materialized over the summer. However, given his form at Qatar 2022, Gakpo might just get a big move in January.
Manchester United are reportedly leading the race for the 23-year-old as the Red Devils are in desperate need of a forward after the termination of Cristiano Ronaldo's contract. Unfortunately for the Premier League giants, Cody's exploits in the Middle East are only adding to his valuation.