Cody Gakpo scores again as Netherlands ease past Qatar to top group

Cody Gakpo enhanced his growing reputation after becoming the first Netherlands player to score in each of his first three World Cup matches in a 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar, a result that saw Louis van Louis van Gaal top Group A.

The 23-year-old forward entered the tournament as one of the hottest prospects in Europe, with a number of top clubs closely tracking his progress after nine goals and 12 assists in 14 Eredivisie games for PSV Eindhoven this season, and his displays in the Middle East have only furthered his credentials.

His versatility across the front line has also been underlined by the nature of his goals, with his 26th-minute strike from the edge of the penalty area coming via his right foot having already scored with his left against Ecuador and his head versus Senegal.

Head coach Van Gaal has allocated special status to Memphis Depay, making an exception to include the long-time injured Barcelona forward in his squad, but his first start of the tournament was overshadowed by his strike partner who now currently enjoys the role as most important attacker.

Depay's first start for any team since mid-September after a hamstring problem was a way of improving his match fitness against opposition who already knew they were exiting the tournament before the game kicked off after two uninspiring defeats.

The 28-year-old responded by starting the move which led to Gakpo's opener and then inadvertently providing the assist for Frenkie De Jong's goal just after half-time when his shot was parried by goalkeeper Meeshal Barsham.

Victory ensured the Dutch topped their section with seven points, setting up a last-16 meeting with the runners-up from England's group and extended their unbeaten run to 18 matches.

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