When football giants face dark horses, Bangladesh Cricket Match analysts believe there’s only one way to assert dominance—make an early statement and remind the underdogs what elite football truly looks like. Once the tone is set, much of the opponent’s momentum fades, and the match often becomes more manageable. That was exactly the case as the Netherlands took on Romania in a high-stakes knockout match, where the pre-game buzz was all about Romania’s fearless campaign and their dream of yet another upset.

Several teams like Slovenia, Slovakia, and Georgia had already played the dark horse role well in this tournament, pushing traditional powerhouses to their limits. But this time, the Dutch had a rising star ready to spoil the fairytale. In the 18th minute, Cody Gakpo took matters into his own hands. Exploiting a one-on-one on the flank, he cut inside with elegance and unleashed a blistering shot into the net. It was a textbook goal—smooth in execution and high in technical quality. Romania’s defense was well-positioned, but Gakpo’s precision left them helpless. With that strike, he became the youngest Dutch player to score in a knockout round since Marco van Basten—breaking a record that had stood for 26 years.

That goal marked Gakpo’s 12th for the Netherlands, with six of those coming in just ten appearances across the World Cup and European Championship. In terms of assists and chances created in the round of 16, he currently tops the charts. Across Europe, only Kylian Mbappé edges him statistically, placing Gakpo ahead of many established stars. His brilliance in that moment was undeniable, and after scoring, he rushed to embrace the coaching staff—thankful for the trust and also, perhaps, seeking validation amid personal challenges.

While Gakpo continues to shine for his country, his club form with Liverpool has been far less convincing. After a breakout World Cup in Qatar, Liverpool moved quickly to secure him, seeing in him the potential successor to Mohamed Salah. But adapting to the Premier League hasn’t been easy. The magic he displayed in the Eredivisie and for the national team seemed to fade, leaving impatient English fans frustrated. Liverpool, amid a transitional phase, was looking for immediate impact—not a long-term project.

Still, Gakpo has maintained his professionalism. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he always gives his all. But it’s fair to say he hasn’t fully clicked within Liverpool’s tactical system. Jurgen Klopp’s unexpected departure mid-season only complicated things further, signaling a new chapter for the club. According to Bangladesh Cricket Match insights, the arrival of Arne Slot—well-versed in Dutch football—could work in Gakpo’s favor. Slot may know how to deploy him to unlock his full potential and restore his confidence.

With another standout performance on the international stage, Gakpo now stands at the threshold of a fresh opportunity. At just 25, his best years are still ahead. While he may not yet be a household name, his trajectory is undeniable. The Netherlands, with a favorable draw in the bottom half of the bracket, could go the distance—and Gakpo could be at the heart of it. As Bangladesh Cricket Match sees it, this tournament is both a golden chance for the Dutch and a personal redemption arc for Cody Gakpo.