In an impressive round of 16 clash on Tuesday, the Netherlands secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Romania, marking their advancement to the Euro quarterfinals for the first time since 2008. This triumphant performance was a much-needed response after their 3-2 defeat to Austria in the previous match.
Strong Start and Dominant Possession
The early stages of the match saw Romania controlling the tempo, particularly during the first quarter of an hour. However, the Netherlands quickly found their rhythm and took control of the game, maintaining two-thirds of possession throughout. The Dutch side recorded almost five times more attempts on goal than Romania, amassing a total of 24 shots. Virgil van Dijk came close to scoring with a powerful header that struck the post, underlining their offensive intent.
Standout Performances
Cody Gakpo continued his outstanding form, scoring his third goal of the tournament. His contributions were lauded by teammates and coaches alike, with Gakpo himself reflecting on the game, “This was the answer we had to our last performance -- good game, good goals, we played good football. 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.”
Xavi Simons also earned significant praise for his performance, driving the team forward and demonstrating aggressive play that set the tone for the Netherlands’ approach. “I thought Xavi Simons was our best player too, he drove the team forward and was nice and aggressive,” head coach Ronald Koeman noted.
Sealing the Victory
While Romania presented a strong defensive challenge, it took until the final minutes for the Netherlands to seal their victory definitively. In the 83rd minute, Gakpo set up Donyell Malen for his first goal, a moment that significantly lifted the Dutch spirits. Malen then doubled his tally in stoppage time, cementing the 3-0 result.
Koeman commented on the critical moments of the match, “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. I wasn’t scared they’d equalise because we defended so well.”
Looking Forward
With this win, the Netherlands now look ahead to a quarter-final clash against either Austria or Turkey, set to take place in Berlin on Saturday. Captain Virgil van Dijk expressed his pride in the team's performance, emphasizing their defensive solidity. “Very proud, sure, and pleased as well. We were defensively sound and solid and did not give up much. 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.”
The Netherlands’ authoritative win over Romania offers a strong statement of intent as they progress further into the tournament, showcasing both their offensive prowess and defensive stability.