The Netherlands showcased remarkable improvement from their earlier lackluster performances in the group stages by securing a decisive victory against Romania, thus advancing to the quarter-finals.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo and Dortmund’s Donyen Malen were in top form, leading the Netherlands to a 3-0 triumph over Romania, earning a spot in the European Championships quarter-finals.
Gakpo opened the scoring in the 20th minute, moving to joint-first in the top scorer rankings.
He later assisted Malen’s goal in the 83rd minute, and Malen secured his brace in the 90th minute, sealing the victory for the Dutch.
Ronald Koeman’s team dominated possession early, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities.
Romania gradually found their footing and came close to scoring in the 14th minute when Dennis Man skillfully navigated through the Dutch defense but ultimately missed the target.
Regaining their dominance, the Netherlands were rewarded in the 20th minute when Gakpo fired past Florian Nita to give his team the lead.
Despite numerous chances to double their lead in the first half, the Netherlands went into the break with a solitary goal advantage.
Romania started the second half with vigor, testing Verbruggen early on, but the Netherlands soon regained control and continued to create scoring opportunities.
The Dutch maintained their offensive pressure, but poor finishing kept Romania in contention. At times, the Tricolorii counterattacked, reminding Koeman’s side of the threat they posed.
Gakpo nearly doubled the score, but his goal was disallowed for offside. The Netherlands continued their relentless attacks and eventually extended their lead in the 83rd minute when Gakpo, the Man of the Match, assisted Malen’s goal after a skillful run.
Malen sealed the victory seven minutes later with a cleverly disguised shot, confirming the Netherlands’ advancement to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Austria-Turkey match.
