"He's better than Ronaldo" "This generation's Podolski" - Fans laud Netherlands star for his stunning display in 3-0 Euro 2024 win against Romania
Fans on X have waxed lyrical about Cody Gakpo after he inspired the Netherlands to a 3-0 win against Romania in their Euro 2024 Round of 16 clash (June 2). The Liverpool star scored his third goal of the tournament, leveling Georges Mikautadze, Jamal Musiala, and Ivan Schranz in the Golden Boot race.
Gakpo gave the Oranje the perfect start in the 20th minute, receiving the ball from Xavi Simons before blasting the ball past Florin Nita at the near post. Stefan de Vrij nearly doubled their lead six minutes later but his header hit the side netting.
The Netherlands continued their domination in the second half with Memphis Depay failing to score from close range in the 54th minute. Virgil van Dijk was also unfortunate not to score after his header struck the right post.
Nita made a great save to deny Gakpo in the 62nd minute. The latter thought he had scored his second of the game two minutes later after he roofed the ball into the back of the net from close range. However, the goal was ruled out by VAR due to an offside.
Gakpo caused more misery for the Romanian defense in the 83rd minute, firing an accurate cross into the path of Donyell Malen who made no mistake to make it 2-0. The latter scored again in the third minute of stoppage time to book their spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.
Fans praised the Netherlands forward for his display in the Euro 2024 clash. The 25-year-old scored one goal, provided one assist, and created three chances. In addition, he landed all three of his shots on target, completed both his dribbles, and won three duels.
One Netherlands fan posted:
"Cody Gakpo might be this generation’s Podolski, looks like a BEAST at international level!"
Another fan wrote:
"Nah Gakpo is having the time of his life. Dragusin is a PL CB too"
Another fan tweeted:
"At least he's better than Ronaldo. Ronaldo: 0 goals in the euros, Gakpo: 3 goals in the euros. Ronaldo fans are quiet"
Other reactions can be viewed below:
"World Cup: 3 goals, Euros: 3 goals, Cody Gakpo loves a big tournament," one fan tweeted
"Cody Gakpo on for the Golden Boot playing from the left hahaha Arne Slot you know what to do my beautiful bald friend," another added
"Gakpo is a lot easier to watch when he’s not being asked to receive the ball under pressure with his back to goal," one fan tweeted
"That goal was all Gakpo again. He’s incredible," another typed
"Absolute demonic performance on the left here ,diaz is absolutely holding bench in september," one fan predicted
How did the Netherlands fare in their 3-0 win against Romania at Euro 2024?
Netherlands bounced back from a disappointing 3-2 loss to Austria with a dominant 3-0 win against Romania at Euro 2024. Ronald Koeman and Co. have booked their spot in the final eight where they will face the winner of Austria and Turkey.
The Oranje dominated possession with 66 percent of the ball. They also attempted 502 passes with an accuracy of 87 percent. In contrast, Romania had 34 percent possession, attempting 269 passes with an accuracy of 75 percent.
The Netherlands were also more industrious up front and looked extremely threatening, landing 23 shots in total with six being on target. Meanwhile, Romania only mustered five shots in total with one being on target in the Euro 2024 fixture.