"Cody Gakpo scored two penalties as the Netherlands moved three points clear in Group G with a comfortable 4-0 win over Malta in their World Cup qualifying clash. Gakpo also set up Manchester City's Tijjani Reijnders for the Netherlands' third goal, with Ronald Koeman's side now turning their attention to Finland on Sunday. But the Oranje survived an early scare in the opening minute when Virgil van Dijk's backpass was intercepted by Joseph Mbong, though he was unable to finish from a tight angle."
"However, the Netherlands quickly found their groove and were awarded a penalty when Kurt Shaw tripped Ryan Gravenberch in the box, despite Wout Weghorst finding the back just before referee Duje Strukan blew his whistle. Gakpo stepped up to send the spot-kick beyond Henry Bonello in the 12th minute, with the Liverpool forward then hitting the post three minutes after opening the scoring."
Netherlands defeated Malta 4-0 in World Cup qualifying as Cody Gakpo scored two penalties and assisted a third goal. An early scare came when Joseph Mbong intercepted Virgil van Dijk's backpass but failed to finish from a tight angle. A penalty for Kurt Shaw's foul on Ryan Gravenberch allowed Gakpo to open the scoring in the 12th minute, and he doubled the lead after Enrico Pepe fouled Wout Weghorst. Gakpo had a header ruled out for offside, then capitalised on goalkeeper Henry Bonello's error to set up Tijjani Reijnders. Memphis Depay added a stoppage-time header.
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