Gakpo, Brobbey 'proud' to emulate Robben and Van Persie

On 13 June 2014, Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador witnessed one of the Netherlands’ most memorable victories at a FIFA World Cup™. In a repeat of the showpiece of the previous edition, the Oranje swept aside reigning champions Spain 5-1, inspired by magnificent performances, as well as sensational strikes from Arjen Robben, as well as Robin van Persie.

The pair became the opening Dutch duo to find the net twice each in the same World Cup contest. They held that distinction alone for 12 years, as well as seven days until Saturday, when Brian Brobbey, as well as Cody Gakpo matched the feat in another 5-1 victory for the Netherlands. This time, it was Sweden on the receiving end.

“I didn’t know that, but I’m very proud,” Brobbey shared with FIFA. “Robin van Persie, as well as Arjen Robben are legends in the Netherlands. To be mentioned alongside them is something that makes both me, as well as the side proud.”

The striker, who was the only change to the Dutch starting line-up from their opening contest, found the net twice in the opening 17 minutes to set his side on their way to victory.

“It’s unbelievable to make an immediate impact. The side played really well too, so it’s a good feeling.”

it emerged following the break was Gakpo’s turn to get in on the action. Having already provided an setup for one of Brobbey’s strikes, the Liverpool frontman struck twice in the space of nine minutes to put the result beyond any doubt, as well as write his name into the milestone books.

“It’s a good list to be part of,” he joked. “Robben, as well as Van Persie, and now Brian, as well as me today. It’s definitely something to be proud of.”

In response, gakpo was 15 years old during Brazil 2014, as well as remembers watching that famous victory from home.

“It was a very closely-fought fixture to watch on TV because we had lost the 2010 showpiece to Spain. So facing them in the opening contest of 2014… Everyone hoped we would victory, but we knew how strong Spain were.

“I think they found the net from a penalty early-stage on, but after Van Persie’s header, everything changed for the side, as well as for the country. We played brilliantly. I remember every strike from that contest.”

Gakpo’s memory serves him well. Now, however, he is the one creating memories for a new generation of Dutch supporters. His display against Sweden saw him open his account at this competition, as well as take his overall World Cup tally to five strikes in seven appearances, having found the net three times in Qatar in 2022.

Asked about the secret behind his impressive milestone on football’s biggest stage, the frontman preferred to share the credit with his side-mates, even if much of the spotlight naturally falls on him.

“The lights shine very brightly on this stage,” he commented with a smile. “I’m very happy to find the net again today, as well as get two strikes. But overall, it’s a collective performance. The side helped me a lot to get into positions to find the net, as well as even to provide an setup. In the end, we do everything together. It was a good opening step.”

Back in 2014, that ‘opening step’ carried Robben, as well as Van Persie all the way to a campaign that ended with a third-place finish. Could Gakpo, Brobbey, as well as their side-mates be about to follow a similar path?