“They should have their goal chalked off” The internet reacts as Gakpo hits the headlines once more
The Netherlands beat Scotland in a closely fought friendly in Amsterdam despite the scoreline.
In their first of four friendlies before they head to Germany for Euro 2024, the Netherlands extended their winning home run against Scotland to five games with a 4-0 victory at the Johan Cruyff Arena thanks to three late second half strikes.
It was a first half of chances for both sides with Gakpo first failing to capitalise with only Gunn to beat, delaying his shot too long before the offside flag saved his blushes. While at the other end, Lawrence Shankland saw his header expertly tipped onto the bar from close range by Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken after 18 minutes.
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The deadlock was broken just before the break however, as Tijjani Reijnder’ first international goal was one worth waiting for as he arrowed a thunderbolt past Angus Gunn from outside the area to give his side the lead.
The second period was much of the same before the Netherlands made most of their chances to a secure a 4-0 victory late on that was slightly harsh on a Scotland side that gave as good as they got for the majority of the match. The results now means that the Scots have gone six games without a win under Steve Clarke (D2 L4), conceding a whopping 18 goals in that time.
Goals from Gini Wijnaldum, who reached double figures on the international stage, and subs Wout Weghorst and Donyell Malen completed the four goal showing as Ronald Koeman’s men made it six wins and five clean sheets from their last seven matches.
Cody Gakpo, who received a lot of criticism from pundits and fans after his performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup at the weekend provided two assists for his side, including one for former Liverpool man Gini Wijnaldum with a peach of a cross, and put in a much better performance but ruined it with one moment of madness.
The Liverpool man skipped past the Scotland defence in the first-half and instead of lining up a shot, fell to the ground with nobody around him. Replays showed a clear dive with the ViaPlay commentators asking for a change in VAR rules and a retrospective yellow card for the forward.
However, Twitter users wanted more of a punishment, with one person saying “Holland should get their goal chalked off, as a result of that ridiculous Gakpo dive to try and win a penalty.” with another one adding “That should be a red for Gakpo. What a dive”
It’s fair to say, nobody was impressed.
Ridiculous dive from Gakpo. Get a grip son
— Andy Oliver (@Andy1ohhh) March 22, 2024
Quite litterally the worst dive I have ever seen from Cody Gakpo….. Have a bit of dignity man😂😂
— Dylan™️ (@DylanHowarth_10) March 22, 2024
Seeing a 6”4 striker like Gakpo dive in that manner is laughable.
— Ikenna (@GhostIke_) March 22, 2024
Gakpo dive against Scotland one of the worst efforts I’ve ever seen lol
— Ryan Edward Fortune 🇺🇸🏴🇮🇪 (@1ryanfortune) March 22, 2024
@andrewrobertso5 hope you let Gakpo have it for his embarrassing dive when you get back to training lol. Great first half from the team today!
— Barry Evans (@Bluetooner1) March 22, 2024
He may not win the Ballon d’Or but he has an excellent chance of winning the Fallon d’Floor.