The Netherlands' journey at the European Championship continues as they secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Romania in their round of 16 encounter on Tuesday. This victory propelled the Dutch team into the Euro quarterfinals for the first time since 2008, marking a significant milestone for the squad.
Gakpo and Malen Shine
Cody Gakpo, one of the standout players of the tournament, opened the scoring, netting his third goal of this European Championship. The match saw a dramatic finish with Donyell Malen scoring twice late into the contest, sealing Romania’s fate and ensuring a comfortable win for the Netherlands.
The Netherlands dominated possession, maintaining control for two-thirds of the match. Despite this, Romania showed resilience, particularly in the first 15 minutes when they managed to control the tempo. However, the Dutch team's relentless efforts saw them record almost five times more attempts on goal than their opponents, with a total of 24 shots.
Defense Steadfast
Virgil van Dijk almost added his name to the scoresheet when his powerful header struck the post. Van Dijk, a pillar in the Dutch defense, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance. "Very proud, sure, and pleased as well. We were defensively sound and solid and did not give up much," he stated post-match.
Reflecting on the previous defeat to Austria, van Dijk added, "We could have scored a lot more. After a turbulent week, where a lot was said, we had to show something and we did that. We are self-critical and we knew it had to be a lot better after the last game and everyone had to take responsibility and today they showed they wanted to."
Koeman’s Strategy Pays Off
Head coach Ronald Koeman acknowledged the team's improvement and the effectiveness of their strategy against Romania. "I thought there were a lot of good things we did. The team realised that the last game was really bad in all aspects and so they have given out a strong message. We played well in the whole game, except the first 10 minutes when there was a lot of pressure," Koeman commented.
Koeman highlighted the importance of their tactical approach. "We had analysed Romania well. Belgium showed us there was a lot of space to exploit [against Romania]. But it took a long time before we got the second goal." Despite the initial hurdles, Koeman was confident throughout the match. "I wasn't scared they'd equalise because we defended so well. I thought Xavi Simons was our best player too, he drove the team forward and was nice and aggressive."
Gakpo's Reflections
Cody Gakpo, reflecting on the match, shared his thoughts on the team's performance. "This was the answer we had to our last performance -- good game, good goals, we played good football," Gakpo remarked. He acknowledged that while there is room for improvement, this match was a crucial step forward. "Of course we could do better but a good showing after the last game. A good step in that next direction. We felt we were in control even though they were a dangerous opponent," he added.
Looking Ahead
The Netherlands' next challenge will be in the quarter-finals against either Austria or Turkey, set to take place in Berlin on Saturday. As the squad prepares for this crucial tie, the confidence from a convincing win over Romania will undoubtedly be a boost.
The victory not only showcases the Netherlands' attacking prowess but also their defensive solidity, signaling their readiness to take on tougher competition as they progress in the tournament.