The Netherlands defied criticism at home to reach the European Championship quarter-finals for the first time since 2008. Coach Ronald Koeman's team deservedly beat Romania 3:0.
Cody Gakpo was the match-winner for the much-improved Elftal. The Liverpool FC striker put the Dutch, who were superior for long stretches, on course in the 20th minute with a strong individual move and set up substitute Donyell Malen's 2-0 in the 83rd minute. Malen scored a second goal in stoppage time.
Apart from an own goal against Austria, Malen scored his first goals of the tournament. It was the third for Gakpo, who created space for himself with a quick move on the left wing to make it 1-0 and beat Romania keeper Florin Nita with a shot into the near corner. Another goal from the 25-year-old did not count due to an offside.
Only shortcoming was the exploitation of chances
Based on the chances and the share of the game, the Oranje's victory was well deserved. The Dutch were guilty of a number of lapses in finishing, with a Romanian defender getting in the way or Nita being on hand to stop Gakpo or his team-mate.
Despite their lack of finishing, the Dutch silenced the harsh criticism at home by advancing to the quarter-finals for the time being. The Dutch tabloid media wrote after the meagre 3rd place in the group stage that the Elftal were a disgrace, the 3-2 defeat to Austria an embarrassment. There were too many egos in the team, it was the worst ever, coach Ronald Koeman had no plan.
Now the Netherlands are in the quarter-finals and are also favorites against Turkey in Berlin on Saturday.
Telegram:
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: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Mogos (38. Racovitan); 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); Schouten (69. Veerman), Xavi Simons, Reijnders; Bergwijn (46. Malen), Depay (92. Blind), Gakpo (84. Weghorst).
Comments: Romania without Bancu (suspended) and Coman (sick). Netherlands complete. Cautions: 67 for Marin, 78 for Dumfries, 81 for Stanciu, 94 for Malen.
SDA
