Despite a different scoreline, the Netherlands defeated Scotland in a tight friendly in Amsterdam.
In the first of four friendlies before traveling to Germany for Euro 2024, the Netherlands moved on to beat Scotland 4-0 at the Johan Cruyff Stadium thanks to three second-half goals. The run was extended to five games.
Both sides had chances in the first half, Gakpo failed to seize the opportunity first, only Gunn could beat, his shot was delayed for too long until the offside flag saved his blushes. Lawrence Shankland’s header at the other end in the 18th minute was cleverly hit over the crossbar from close range by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flecken.
However, the deadlock was broken before the break with Tijjani Reijnder’s first international goal to look forward to, as he fired a lightning shot past Angus Gunn from outside the box. The team takes the lead.
The second quarter was more of the same story, but the Netherlands seized most of their chances in the closing seconds to win 4-0, which was a bit cruel for a Scotland team that had been brilliant for much of the game. The result now means Scotland have gone six games without a win under Steve Clark (D2 L4), conceding a whopping 18 goals in that period.
Gini Wijnaldum, who reached double figures on the international stage, and substitutes Wout Weghorst and Donyel Mullen completed four goals, Ronald Koeman’s The team has six wins and five clean sheets in its last seven games.
Cody Gakpo was criticized by pundits and fans alike for his impressive performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup at the weekend, in which he provided two assists, including one for former Liverpool man Gini Wijnaldum Mu sent a peach cross and contributed two assists to the team. The performance was much better, but it was ruined by a moment of madness.
The Liverpool man skipped over the Scotland defense in the first half and fell to the ground with no one around him without setting up his shot. Replays showed the situation worsened significantly as ViaPlay commentators called for a change in VAR rules and a retrospective yellow card for the forward.
However, Twitter users wanted more punishment, with one explain “The Dutch goal should have been disallowed for that ridiculous dive by Gakpo trying to win a penalty.” Another added: “This should have been Gakpo in red. What a dive”
To be fair, no one was impressed.
He may not win the Ballon d’Or, but he has an excellent chance of winning the Fallon Trophy.