Gakpo strikes again as Netherlands top group

IN-FORM Cody Gakpo scored again as the Netherlands finished top of Group A, ending Qatar’s miserable involvement at their home World Cup with a third consecutive defeat.

Qatar’s dismal showing means they became the first host nation to exit the tournament with three groupstage losses.

PSV Eindhoven winger Gakpo scored the opening goal in all three of the Netherlands’ group games, driving forward and rasping a finish into the bottom corner on this occasion. Louis van Gaal’s men scored at the start of the second half to quash any Qatari hopes of a comeback as Frenkie de Jong poked into a open net after Memphis Depay’s shot was saved.