Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands had some extent to show of their EURO 2024 Spherical-of-16 conflict in opposition to high-flying Romania. They needed to present their poor group-stage exhibiting was merely a blip. They needed to show they had been nonetheless one of many contenders for the coveted continental trophy.
Romania, decided to increase their historic EURO 2024 run, put early stress on the Dutch. However as a substitute of cracking below it, they used it to mould themselves and emerge as a deadly attacking machine. Buoyed by the genius of Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen, Koeman’s boys bagged a thumping 3-0 victory on the Allianz Area on Tuesday (July 2), securing their place within the quarter-finals.
Cody Gakpo & Donyell Malen Fireplace Netherlands Into EURO 2024 Quarters
Romania loved a blistering begin in Munich, losing no time taking the struggle to the opposition. Within the 14th minute, Dennis Man got here agonizingly near scoring the opener, as his left-footed drive from outdoors the field narrowly missed the top-left nook.
Following Man’s impolite wake-up name, the Netherlands lastly began asserting some management, and it paid dividends simply 5 minutes later, Liverpool ace Gakpo discovered the again of the online in type. The attacker took management of the ball on the left flank, minimize in, and dispatched a thumping strike. Romania goalkeeper Florin Nita was guarding the close to publish, however he nonetheless couldn’t preserve it out. Romania tried to hit again instantly, however the Dutch backline tightened to disclaim them any clear-cut opening.
Holland had full management of the sport within the second half, with them mounting one likelihood after one other searching for the insurance coverage aim. As soon as once more, Gakpo proved integral, as he weaved previous Radu Dragusin down the left touch-line earlier than rolling it in for Malen. The substitute, who got here on at half-time, utilized a cool end to make it 2-0 for the Dutch.
Malen doubled his cash via a blistering counter-attack in harm time. With Romania placing all their gamers within the Dutch field for an injury-time nook, they left themselves weak to a counter. And when the set piece broke down and the ball fell to Malen, the winger had a free go to run on the goalkeeper and make it 3-0 for the Oranje.
Ronald Koeman Hails ‘Excellent’ Dutch Show Towards Romania
After the Netherlands misplaced 3-2 to Austria and certified for the Spherical of 16 as a third-placed group, many questioned Koeman’s pedigree and tactical acuity. Following the victory over Romania, Koeman stated he didn’t know why his group failed in opposition to Austria and succeeded in opposition to Romania, however vouched they’d proceed to uphold the Dutch attacking heritage.
Talking to the press after the sport, Koeman stated (through Outlook India):
“It’s generally tough to say why you play badly in a single recreation after which can attain a excessive stage the following match. We had been sharp from the start at this time, and that made a distinction. Perhaps, one important level is that it took too lengthy to attain the second aim.
“The result’s at all times crucial factor, however we’re Dutch, and within the Netherlands, we now have to play properly and offensively. We all know that. The entire efficiency at this time was excellent, and that’s what we have to do to proceed on this event. That is the extent. If we go down from this, we gained’t attain the ultimate.”
The Netherlands will meet Turkiye within the EURO 2024 quarter-finals on July 6. Successful that recreation will pit them in opposition to the winners of the quarter-final conflict between England and Switzerland.
