Cody Gakpo is having a much better time at this World Cup than he had during the last one.
Back in 2018, he was a teenage hopeful watching the tournament – for which the Netherlands had failed to qualify.
Four years on, he has played a big part in their progression to the last 16 as unbeaten group winners.
The PSV Eindhoven winger has set the tournament alight for the Dutch, scoring the opening goal in all three group games, including Tuesday’s 2-0 victory over hosts Qatar.
The three-time finalists have breezed through to the first knockout round, where they will face the United States – and are determined to make up for lost time.
“It is really special for us to be here because last time we weren’t,” said Gakpo. “We topped the group and have worked really hard. It is great for us.
“In 2018, I was watching the games and it was less fun because the Netherlands weren’t there.
“I was 19. It wasn’t really a goal to be at a World Cup back then; it was more about being in the first team at PSV. I worked and worked then set goals to try to be in the national team.
“Now we are here and I am really happy we are doing well as a team, and hopefully we can keep winning games.”
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