The Netherlands beat Romania on Tuesday in the round of 16 of Euro 2024 (3-0). Author of a goal and an assist, Cody Gakpo carried the Oranje. The Dutch will face the winner of Austria – Turkey in the next round.
Published on: 02/07/2024 – 19:53Modified on: 02/07/2024 – 19:56
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On the Bayern Munich pitch, there was no real contest. The Netherlands easily won 3-0 against Romania, even though they were chasing their second goal for a long time.
Without observing an observation round, the Dutch are aggressive, with a desire to recover the ball high up. An intense pressing that puts Romania under pressure from the start.
Despite the collective discipline of the Oranje, the opening goal came from an individual feat. Gakpo fixed his opposite number on the left side, entered the area and struck hard. Nita could do nothing (20th, 1-0).
Dozens of failures and finally the break
A few minutes later, De Vrij misses his header, although he was well served on Depay’s corner (26th). A Depay who also has the opportunity to make the break when he is found behind the defense by Reijnders. But Dragusin is in Memphis’s way (26th). Finally, Xavi Simons hesitates instead of shooting into an open goal (44th).
After the break, the Romanians came back with intentions but the Dutch quickly calmed their inclinations. The Oranje resumed their quest for the second goal. But when it was not a huge mess in the area (52nd), it was the post (56th) or the VAR (64th) that saved the Romanians.
The Tricolori are on borrowed time but are holding on. On a free kick, Depay’s attempt brushes Nita’s right post (68th) as does Veerman’s attempt, found by Gakpo (73rd).
After so many misses, the deliverance comes from the substitute Malen. Served by Gakpo after another individual exploit, the Dortmund striker scores with a flat foot (83rd). He doubles the lead in stoppage time (90th + 3).
Mission accomplished for the Oranje, now qualified for the quarter-finals. Having fallen into the favourable part of the draw, Memphis Depay’s teammates will face the winner of Austria – Turkey in a duel within their reach.
