The two goalscorers of the match: Donyell Malen and Cody Gakpo (r.).Image: imago
Cody Gakpo was the standout player in the Round of 16 match. His early goal put the Netherlands on the path to victory against Romania, and he later played a crucial role in securing the win. The 3-0 victory for the Dutch was well-deserved, even at this level of competition.
02.07.2024, 20:1702.07.2024, 20:38
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Romania’s hopes were dashed early. The Netherlands took an early lead in the European Championship Round of 16 thanks to a well-placed, sharp shot from Cody Gakpo in the 20th minute. The Dutch dominated the game, but their narrow lead persisted for a long time.
Gakpo scores a great goal to make it 1-0.Video: SRF
This wasn’t just due to Romania’s strong defensive work, but also because the Dutch missed several opportunities. For example, Xavi Simons, who perhaps should have shot directly instead of switching the ball to his other foot. Donyell Malen and Memphis Depay also missed good chances following a double opportunity. Stefan De Vrij and Virgil van Dijk had chances shortly after the opening goal and during the second half, respectively, but they both narrowly missed with headers, with the latter striking the post. VAR intervention also prevented Gakpo from scoring a second goal, as the Liverpool professional was offside.
However, things became much easier in the 83rd minute. Following a throw-in, Depay played the ball over his opponent, and Gakpo, who was once again outstanding, received the ball between two Romanians. He then dribbled past Radu Dragusin near the goal line, but the Tottenham defender was far too passive and passed the ball back to Donyell Malen, who had escaped his opponent. Malen scored to make it 2-0, effectively sealing the win.
Gakpo prepares wonderfully for painting.Video: SRF
With Romania forced to attack, the Borussia Dortmund winger scored a second goal. After a corner kick, Oranje got the ball back, and Malen sprinted from his own half and dribbled between two opponents on the edge of the penalty area before coolly scoring to make it 3-0. The victory, which the clearly superior Dutch team deserved, was well-deserved even at this level.
However, Romania might also have some grievances with the referee. He stopped a promising counterattack, ruling that Denis Alibec was playing dangerously. However, Alibec did not play the ball with his foot at maximum chest height, and Denzel Dumfries lowered his head significantly. This scene occurred shortly before the 0-2 from Romania’s perspective. If Valentin Mihaila, to whom Alibec had passed the ball, had reached through to score an equalizer, who knows how the game would have played out.
So, Romania’s European Championship fairytale ended in the Round of 16. Edward Iordanescu’s team, winning their group ahead of Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine, caused a significant surprise. However, they were also somewhat unlucky that the Netherlands, the strongest third-placed team in the group, awaited them. Reaching the quarterfinals would have put the Romanians on par with their 1994 World Cup heroes. Anghel Iordanescu, the father of the current national coach, was on the sidelines back then, while Gheorghe Hagi was pulling the strings in the attack. His son, Ianis, was also on the pitch against the Netherlands.
This defeat marks Romania’s first failure to qualify for the quarterfinals since the 2000 European Championship. On the other hand, Ronald Koeman’s team will continue their journey in Berlin on Saturday evening (9 p.m.) against either Austria or Turkey.
The highlights of the game.Video: SRF
Romania – Netherlands 0:3 (0:1)
Munich. 65,012 spectators. Referee Zwayer (GER).
Goals: 20. Gakpo 0:1. 83. Malen 0:2. 93. Malen 0:3.
Romania: Rivet; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Mogos (38. Rakovitan); Marius Marin (72. Cicaldau); Man, Stanciu (88. Olaru), Razvan Marin, Hagi (72. Alibec); Dragus (72. Mihaila).
Netherlands: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Aké (69. Van de Ven);
Remarks: Romania without Bancu (suspended) and Coman (ill). Netherlands complete.
Warnings: 67. Marine. 78. Dumfries. 81. Stations. 94. False. (sda)
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Netherlands Cruise Past Romania in Euro 2024 Round of 16
The Netherlands secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Romania in the Euro 2024 Round of 16, advancing to the quarter-finals with a dominant performance at the Allianz Arena. Cody Gakpo, the standout performer of the match, put the Dutch on the path to victory with an early goal in the 20th minute, setting the tone for a commanding display.
Gakpo Leads the Charge
Gakpo’s goal, a well-placed and precise strike, highlighted his exceptional talent and ability to create scoring opportunities. Throughout the match, he proved a constant threat to the Romanian defense, showcasing his pace, dribbling skills, and clinical finishing.
The Dutch dominance was evident throughout the first half, but they struggled to convert their numerous chances into goals. Xavi Simons, Donyell Malen, and Memphis Depay all missed opportunities to extend their lead, leaving the Romanians hopeful of an unlikely comeback.
Dutch Efficiency in the Second Half
After a relatively uneventful start to the second half, the Netherlands finally found their scoring touch once again. Gakpo, once again the focal point of the Dutch attack, played a key role in the second goal. His clever pass found Malen, who coolly slotted the ball into the net to make it 2-0.
Romania, forced to push forward in search of a goal, left themselves vulnerable to Dutch counter-attacks. Malen capitalized on this vulnerability, scoring his second goal of the match to seal the 3-0 victory and send the Netherlands into the quarter-finals.
Romania’s Fairytale Ends
For Romania, the defeat marked the end of a fairytale Euro 2024 campaign. Their impressive group stage performance, which saw them top a group featuring Belgium, Slovakia, and Ukraine, came to an abrupt end against a superior Dutch side.
The Romanians can take solace in reaching the knockout stages, surpassing their previous best performance in the tournament. However, their hopes of replicating the success of the 1994 World Cup squad, who reached the quarter-finals, were dashed by the Netherlands.
Netherlands Look Ahead to Quarter-finals
The Netherlands, now looking to reach the semi-finals, face either Austria or Turkey in the quarter-finals, a match that will be played in Berlin on Saturday (9 p.m.). Their impressive victory over Romania suggests they are a formidable force in this year’s European Championship.
Key Takeaways
- Cody Gakpo was the standout performer for the Netherlands, showcasing his exceptional talent and contributing significantly to their victory.
- The Dutch dominance was evident throughout the match, but they struggled to convert their numerous chances into goals in the first half.
- Romania’s impressive group stage performance came to an end in the round of 16, but they can take solace in reaching the knockout stages.
- The Netherlands now face either Austria or Turkey in the quarter-finals, with their sights set on a place in the semi-finals.
Match Details
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Romania | 0 |
| Netherlands | 3 |
Goalscorers
- 20th minute: Cody Gakpo (Netherlands)
- 83rd minute: Donyell Malen (Netherlands)
- 93rd minute: Donyell Malen (Netherlands)
Further Reading
* Gareth Southgate Celebrates 100th Game as England Coach