Euro 2024: Netherlands’ first quarter-final appearance in 16 years thrills Gakpo

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Donyell Malen scored twice while Cody Gakpo also found the net, helping the Netherlands to a 3-0 win against Romania, thereby qualifying for the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

Romania began brightly, just as they did in their opening win over Ukraine in Munich. Dennis Man almost gave them an early lead, but his shot curled over from the edge of the penalty area.

However, it was the Netherlands who struck first. Cody Gakpo cut in from the left and fired a fierce right-footed shot inside the near post, marking his third goal of the tournament.

Gakpo’s goal seemed to calm the Dutch. They gradually took control as the half progressed, with Steven Bergwijn – starting his first game in the tournament – providing an excellent outlet on the right flank.

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A second Dutch goal before halftime seemed likely, but Xavi Simons missed the target after Denzel Dumfries had dispossessed Bogdan Racoviţan near the byline.

In the second half, only some desperate defending prevented Memphis Depay from doubling the Netherlands’ lead. Virgil van Dijk hit the post with a towering header, and Romanian goalkeeper Florin Niță made a fantastic save to tip another Gakpo shot wide. Depay’s free-kick narrowly missed the target, and Joey Veerman’s side-footed shot went past the far post.

The Dutch finally got their deserved second goal when Gakpo set up substitute Donyell Malen to score from close range. Malen then added another in stoppage time with a low finish, securing a 3-0 victory for the Netherlands, who will face Turkey in the quarter-finals.

Speaking after the game, Player of the Match Cody Gakpo said: “Overall, it was a good performance from us. We knew they were tough opponents, so we were ready to fight.

“The fans were great in the stadium, which helps. We needed to score goals, and that’s what we did. It was important today to make a small statement.”

Frankly, Romania deserves recognition for their efforts at Euro 2024. Coach Iordănescu showed that a united team can compete with Europe’s best and they created a historic run throughout their campaign.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands delivered a commanding, attack-oriented performance. They were positive throughout, moving the ball forward at every opportunity. The Dutch side are definitely a side to watch going forward in this tournament.

Tags: Donyell Malen, Netherlands, Romania, Xavi Simons, Cody Gakpo, #Euro2024, #nrtcnewsnigeria, #nrtcnews, #nrtcsports, #NewsRoundTheClock