The Netherlands showcased a dominant performance as they steamrolled Romania 3-0 in the Euro 2024 round of 16 clash on Tuesday, securing their first quarterfinal appearance since 2008. It was a comprehensive victory for the Dutch, with Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen playing pivotal roles in the triumph. The victory came on the back of a disappointing 3-2 loss to Austria, setting the perfect stage for redemption.
Dominant from the Start
Despite Romania controlling the tempo in the initial quarter-hour, the Netherlands quickly took charge, demonstrating their attacking prowess. The Dutch maintained a staggering two-thirds of possession throughout the match, clearly asserting their dominance. The team's efforts translated into an overwhelming 24 shots on goal, almost five times more than Romania's attempts.
Cody Gakpo, who has been in sensational form, netted his third goal of the tournament, setting the tone for the Netherlands. His remarkable performance was complemented by Donyell Malen, who scored two late goals to seal the match emphatically for the Dutch.
Defensive Solidity
A crucial aspect of the Netherlands' victory was their rock-solid defense. Captain Virgil van Dijk was particularly impressive, almost scoring with a powerful header that rattled the post. Reflecting on the team's defensive display, Van Dijk stated, "Very proud, sure, and pleased as well. We were defensively sound and solid and did not give up much."
Van Dijk's sentiments were echoed by head coach Ronald Koeman, who praised the team's resilience and improved performance. "I thought there were a lot of good things we did. The team realized 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 said.
Late Flourish
The game remained in balance until the final minutes, despite the Netherlands' domination. But as the match approached its climax, the Dutch turned on the style. In the 83rd minute, Gakpo played a pivotal role, setting up Malen for his first goal. The young forward didn't disappoint, finishing clinically to double the lead. Malen's second goal, which came in stoppage time, put the result beyond any doubt.
Reflecting on the turning point in the game, Koeman remarked, "We had analyzed 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."
As for Malen, his contributions were crucial in turning a controlled performance into an emphatic victory. Cody Gakpo, who has been one of the standout players in the tournament, was quick to highlight the importance of this win. "This was the answer we had to our last performance -- good game, good goals, we played good football," Gakpo said.
Looking Forward
The Netherlands' path now leads them to a quarterfinal clash in Berlin on Saturday against either Austria or Turkey. Despite the challenges ahead, the team appears well-prepared and confident. Virgil van Dijk emphasized the collective effort and self-criticism within the squad, stating, "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."
Notably, Xavi Simons garnered commendation for his performance, driving the team forward and displaying an aggressive edge that was lauded by Koeman. "I wasn't scared they'd equalize because we defended so well. I thought Xavi Simons was our best player too, he drove the team forward and was nice and aggressive," Koeman added.
The Dutch camp will seek to build on this momentum as they advance in the tournament, with hopes high and spirits rejuvenated after silencing their critics with a commanding performance.