Dutch forward Cody Gakpo etched his name into modern football history by becoming only the third European player in this century to score in four consecutive matches during the group stage of a major international tournament. This remarkable sequence underscored his rising influence for the Netherlands on the international stage and set the tone for the team’s campaign in the current championship cycle.
Gakpo’s latest strike came in a Euro 2024 opening round clash against Poland, a game that also carried significance beyond the immediate result. The Dutch attacked with intent, and Gakpo’s goal helped level the score after Poland had struck first. The contest ultimately finished with the Netherlands edging the Polish side 2-1, a result that reflected the Netherlands’ persistence and tactical discipline in a tightly fought encounter.
Looking back, Gakpo had already shown a rare level of consistency by finding the back of the net in every group-stage game of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That achievement placed him among a small, elite group who managed to sustain such a streak across two consecutive major tournaments, a feat previously accomplished by only Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal and Alvaro Morata of Spain in the 21st century.
In the match against Poland, Adam Buksa opened the scoring for the visitors in the 16th minute, giving Poland a brief lead. Gakpo responded midway through the first half, scoring in the 29th minute to level the match and demonstrate his capacity to perform under pressure. The Dutch sealed the victory with a late strike from Wout Weghorst in the 83rd minute, a reminder that the Netherlands possessed depth and late-game resolve to close out tight games.
The broader context around these performances includes significant organizational decisions in world soccer. In the spring of 2022, the International Football Federation FIFA and UEFA, acting on the guidance of the International Olympic Committee IOC, opted to suspend Russia from all international competitions governed by these bodies. This decision kept Russian national teams and clubs out of major events such as the World Cup playoffs and the upcoming European Championships, reshaping the competitive landscape for European football and providing opportunities for other teams to advance their campaigns.
Another notable talking point from this period is the emergence of a new generation of Dutch goalkeepers and defenders who supported Gakpo’s attacking exploits. Verbruggen, a former Dutch national team custodian, reached a historic milestone by becoming the youngest goalkeeper to compete at the Euro in six decades, signaling a shift toward a younger, more dynamic balance of youth and experience within the squad.
As the group stages unfold, analysts and fans alike watch Gakpo’s trajectory with keen interest. His ability to consistently deliver crucial goals, paired with the Netherlands’ evolving tactical approach, suggests the team is building momentum at the right moment. The synergy between midfield creativity and forward finishing has become a hallmark of this Dutch side, one that could translate into deeper competition in the knockout rounds.
At a broader level, Gakpo’s performances contribute to a growing narrative about how individual match-winners shape the fortunes of national teams in modern soccer. In an era where splintered formats and high-intensity sequences demand quick decision-making and clinical finishing, players who can maintain scoring runs across multiple group-stage fixtures become valuable assets for their nations. The Netherlands’ success in this phase, anchored by Gakpo’s consistent contributions and Weghorst’s late-game decisive act, reinforces the idea that depth and continuity, as well as high-caliber talent, remain essential to advancing through the high-stakes rounds of major tournaments.
As the competition progresses, the focus will likely broaden to examine how the Dutch squad leverages its squad depth, maintains defensive organization, and capitalizes on set-piece opportunities that have become increasingly decisive in contemporary international football. The ongoing storyline around Gakpo will be a centerpiece for fans, pundits, and scouts who gauge the future impact of this generation on the Netherlands’ enduring pursuit of silverware.