The Netherlands drew Ecuador 1-1 in Qatar during their second game clash in Group A.
The match started at a dizzying pace, with both teams looking to prevail. The Oranje were the first to draw blood through the talent of Cody Gakpo.
A striker in form
Gakpo sent a thunderous left-foot shot into the roof of the net in the sixth minute. The goal means the young striker has scored twice in two appearances for the Netherlands.
His first goal was a well-placed header against Senegal in his country’s first World Cup match.
unfortunate to lose
It could be said that Ecuador was the best team of the night, playing with greater intensity and drive to advance.
They will feel hurt by a VAR decision just before the break.
Ecuador had a goal disallowed because a player was considered to be offside. The defendant was seen to be obstructing Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert’s line of sight and ability to play when Ecuador fired on goal.
The disallowed goal means Dutch star Gakpo’s goal was enough to secure a point for the Oranje.
The price is worth it
Great performances in international competitions are an open invitation to the soccer elite to look for a player.
If there was any doubt as to why Cody Gakpo has been under the watchful eye of Manchester United scouts, the attacker has put an end to that skepticism.
According to Statman Dave on Twitter, Cody Gakpo has scored or assisted in each of his last 5 games for the Netherlands.
Cody Gakpo has scored or assisted in each of his last 5 games for the Netherlands:
⚽ against Wales⚽ against Poland????️ against Belgium⚽ against Senegal⚽ against Ecuador
Consistency. ???? pic.twitter.com/F8uFBzNNTq
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 25, 2022
Against Ecuador, it took Gakpo just 6 minutes to send a message to the best European clubs.
The Dutch striker sent a clear message to Erik ten Hag and all the suitors.
The statement was signed on his left foot and delivered on the grandest stage football has to offer.
Before the World Cup, the sale price of Gakpo would have been around 50 million euros. The 23-year-old’s stock is surely up by now. The young man has shown the full range of weapons in his arsenal through his clinical performances.
VAR may have turned villain again in the eyes of the Ecuador fans and team, but Gakpo walks away a hero and an exciting prospect for the Red Devils if they manage to sign the attacker.
The Netherlands will face host Qatar on November 29. Qatar is effectively knocked out due to their 3-1 loss against Senegal.
Will Gakpo score again? United will be watching.
