The Netherlands reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 for the first time since 2008 with a 3-0 win over Romania, thanks to goals from Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo. The Dutch will meet either Austria or Turkey in the quarterfinals.
The Netherlands entered the quarterfinals of Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win over Romania, thanks to outstanding performances from Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo. The win is the first time the Netherlands have reached the quarter-finals of the Euros since 2008, indicating that it will be possible for the team to return to the European stage. At the Munich Football Arena, the Dutch started slowly, allowing Romania to control the ball for the first quarter of an hour. Little by little, the Netherlands began to dominate the game.
Netherlands into Euro quarter-finals
Cody Gakpo opened the scoring for the Netherlands in the 20th minute with a powerful low shot that found the back of the net at the near post of Florin Nita. The goal was Gakpo’s third of the tournament, continuing his impressive form. The Dutch, who faced heavy criticism for their defensive mistakes during a 3-2 win over Austria in their last match, put in a better performance. They dominated the game with two-thirds of possession and created almost five times more than their Romanian counterparts.
Donyell Malen sealed the victory with two goals, emphasizing the Netherlands. Malen’s first goal came in the 81st minute, and he added a second five minutes later, allowing the team to qualify for the quarter-finals. Virgil van Dijk, the captain of the Dutch, leads a strong defensive work, whose head misses out on the post. The Dutch defenders remained calm throughout the game, which was a stark contrast to their previous outings. Gakpo also disallowed the second goal for offside, showing the relentless pressure the Netherlands kept on Romania.
The Dutch dominate possession, keeping possession for two-thirds of the game and creating almost five times more in 24 attempts. Their best was evident as Virgil van Dijk headed the post and Gakpo saw his second effort ruled out for offside. The Netherlands will face either Austria or Turkey in the quarterfinals, and the winner of the match will be decided later on Friday. The quarter-finals will take place on Saturday in Berlin, where the Dutch will try to stay in good form.
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