Cody Gakpo with a goal (20th) and an assist and Donyell Malen (83rd, 93rd) with a brace led the Netherlands to their first European Championship quarter-final since 2008. The “Elftal” showed great improvement after the criticism from home and were clearly superior to the Romanians except in the early stages. Only the utilization of opportunities left something to be desired for coach Ronald Koeman’s team.
While the Dutch can continue to dream of their second European Championship title in 36 years, Romania’s European Championship ended with a bitter but deserved defeat after a strong group phase. For coach Edward Iordanescu’s team, it would have been their second appearance in the quarter-finals of a European Championship in 24 years.
Painting is the final touch
Donyell Malen completes a counterattack to make it 3-0 (93′), ensuring a well-deserved victory for the Dutch.
Researchers Beginning of the Romanians
The 2:3 defeat in the last group match against Austria had a significant impact on the Netherlands’ personnel. National coach Koeman made three changes. Steven Bergwijn replaced Malen in his European Championship debut. Denzel Dumfries moved back to the right-back position, with Lutsharel Geertruida on the bench. Finally, Xavi Simons played instead of Johannes Veerman.
UEFA EURO 2024
Round of 16
There were two changes in Romania: Vasile Mogos and Dennis Man played instead of Florinel Coman and the suspended Nicusor Bancu. The underdog started boldly and attacked the Dutch early. When they won the ball, they switched quickly. Overall, the performance was reminiscent of the Austrian style. The Dutch had their hands full defensively, but didn’t allow any concrete chances.
Strong individual action brings “Oranje” lead
The Dutch had repeated phases of possession. The “Elftal” then scored from their first good chance, which was not exactly expected. Gakpo moved into the penalty area from the left and finished his strong individual effort precisely into the near corner (20th minute). Goalie Florin Nita only got his fingertips on the 121 km/h shot from 18 meters.
The opening goal by Gakpo
A beautiful individual move gives the Dutch the lead. Cody Gakpo moved into the penalty area from the left and shot sharply and precisely into the near corner (20′).
The deficit was a bitter blow to the Romanian game. The Dutch now had the upper hand, circulated the ball well and attacked the Romanian defence with flank attacks. After a corner, Stefan de Vrij headed the ball into the side netting (26′). Dragusin saved from Memphis Depay after a cross (31′). Simons missed the best chance before the break. After a pass from Dumfries, the Leipzig player got bogged down in the penalty area and was unable to finish (44′).
Dutch people exploit opportunities
After the break, Malen replaced Bergwijn. The Dutch were clearly in control, as they were no longer under as much pressure as at the start of the match. Tijjani Reijnders marched to the edge of the penalty area, but Bogdan Racovitan threw himself into the shot (50′). Four minutes later, the Romanians cleared a tricky situation with combined forces, and finally Virgil van Dijk headed the ball onto the post after a corner (58′). Koeman was annoyed about the missed chances, a 2-0 would probably have been the preliminary decision.
APA/AFP/Odd Andersen The numerous missed opportunities raised the blood pressure of national coach Ronald Koeman
The second goal was in the air, but it just wouldn’t come. Romanian goalkeeper Florin Nita made a save against Gakpo (61′). Shortly afterwards, the winger scored after a cross. The Dutch were unsure and only celebrated half-heartedly. Their scepticism was justified, as the goal was disallowed for offside (63′). A Depay free kick went past the left post (68′). Joey Veerman, who had just been substituted on, shot just past the far corner (72′).
Malen double strike makes the decision
The lead remained narrow and thus deceptive. The Dutch could not feel safe, although they were much closer to 2-0 than the Romanians were to equalizing. The winners of Group E were slowly running out of time, but they were glaringly lacking in chances. Iordanescu’s team did not even come close to the opponent’s goal.
In the 83rd minute, the Dutch sealed the deal. Gakpo was in a duel with Dragusin on the corner line. The Romanian thought that the ball would go out. However, Gakpo followed up and flicked the ball to Malen, who only had to push it in from close range (83rd minute). The Romanians were served and conceded a third goal. Malen got into shooting position with a hook during a counterattack and finished the move cleanly into the left corner to make the final score (93rd minute).
Malen scores 2-0
Donyell Malen scores for the Dutch to make it 2-0. However, the goal is largely due to Cody Gakpo, who provided the perfect preparatory work.
European Championship Round of 16
Tuesday:
Romania – Netherlands 0:3 (0:1)
Munich, 67,000 spectators, SR Zwayer (GER)
Torfolge:
0:1 Steel (20.)
0:2 Grinding (83.)
0:3 Grinding (93.)
Romania: Nita – Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Mogos (38. Racovitan) – M. Marin (72./Cicaldau) – Hagi (72./Alibec), R. Marin, Stanciu (88./Olaru), Man – Dragus (72 ./Mihaila)
Netherlands: :
Yellow cards: M. Marin, Stanciu and Dumfries, Malen
