ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The Netherlands cruised into the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a convincing 3-0 victory over Romania in the Round of 16 on Tuesday. Donyell Malen emerged as the hero with two goals, supported by an early strike from Cody Gakpo.
Despite early dominance, the Dutch struggled to convert their chances until Gakpo opened the scoring. Malen then sealed the win with a late brace, securing a clash in the quarter-finals against either Turkey or Austria.
Reflecting on the match, Gakpo expressed satisfaction with their performance, highlighting the team’s improvement in aggression, intensity, and defensive solidarity. He emphasized the importance of sacrificing for each other and working hard, elements that were evident in their play against Romania.
Manager Ronald Koeman praised the team’s overall performance but noted the need to be more clinical in front of goal, echoing his expectations for Dutch football to maintain high standards.
Romania’s coach, Edward Iordanescu, acknowledged his team’s effort in trying to unsettle the Dutch early on but admitted they were ultimately outmatched by a superior opponent. He found positives in their performance that could be built upon for the future.
The Dutch team, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, had aimed to bounce back from their earlier lackluster display against Austria, where they lacked energy and determination according to van Dijk.
Despite some initial flatness, the Netherlands’ solid display against Romania showcased their potential to compete at a high level in Euro 2024, reinforcing their ambitions to reach the final stages of the tournament.
