
EURO 2024 : GAKPO GIVE RESPONSE TO MEDIA CRITICISM BACK HOME OVER NETHERLAND’S PERFORMANCE AT EURO TOURNAMENT
- Sports News
- July 2, 2024
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Netherland’s striker Cody Gakpo has responded to media criticism back home over their lackadaisical performance at the ongoing Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
The Netherlands on Tuesday qualified to the quarter-finals of the Euro 2024, after thrashing Romania 3-0 in Munich, as Gakpo gave respond saying the Netherlands’ performance against Romania represented the ideal answer to media criticism as they inch a step close to the trophy by booking a place in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
Cody Gakpo scored the first goal in his sides 3-0 win over Romania in Tuesday’s last-16 tie, with Donyell Malen coming off the bench to add two more goals in the closing stages of the game.
Gakpo has now scored six goals at the last two major tournaments and also one of just three players to net three or more goals in two separate tournaments for the Oranje, after Johnny Rep (1974 and 1978 World Cups) and Dennis Bergkamp (Euro 1992, 1994 and 1998 World Cups).
The Oranje’s were heavily criticised by the media back home after finishing third in Group D, and Gakpo was aware of the need to respond emphatically.
According to the Liverpool striker, “This was the answer we had to our last performance – we had a good game, scored good goals, we played good football,” Gakpo said.
“Of course we could do better, but it was a good showing after the last game. A good step in that next direction.
“We felt we were in control even though they were a dangerous opponent. We never had the feeling that we would lose control of the game.” He concluded.
The Netherlands have now progressed from a European Championship knockout match for the first time since 2004, when they beat Sweden on penalties after a goalless drawn game.
This also marks their first win in a knockout game since they thrashed Yugoslavia 6-1 in 2000.

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