The Netherlands comfortably advanced to the quarter-finals by defeating Romania. Cody Gakpo’s impressive run past Radu Dragusin set up the crucial second goal, showcasing the team’s form under coach Ronald Koeman, whose tactics and substitutions were spot on. Despite Romania’s strong start and enthusiastic support, the gap in quality between the teams became increasingly evident. Donyell Malen scored twice in the last 10 minutes, adding to Gakpo’s clinical first-half goal. Romania created early chances but couldn’t maintain their momentum as the Dutch took control.
Romania 0-3 Netherlands: Euro 2024, last 16 – as it happened
Ianis Hagi led Romania’s spirited early efforts, even after sustaining a head injury, but the Netherlands’ first goal came in the 20th minute. Jerdy Schouten’s precise pass found Xavi Simons, who set up Gakpo for a low shot that beat goalkeeper Florin Nita. Despite Nita’s efforts, the powerful 125kph strike was unstoppable.
Koeman expressed satisfaction with his team’s “ball position” after the match, clarifying that he meant the spaces and positions on the field where his players controlled and utilized the ball effectively. The midfield operated cohesively, a stark improvement from their performance against Austria, with Xavi Simons receiving special praise for adapting to a new role and linking well with the confident and disciplined Cody Gakpo.
The absence of left-back Nicosur Bancu due to suspension proved to be a vulnerability for Romania, and the Dutch exploited this weakness repeatedly. Despite adjustments made by coach Edward Iordanescu to shore up the defense before halftime, they struggled to contain the Dutch attacks. Simons had a chance to score after Denzel Dumfries intercepted substitute Bogdan Racovitan just before halftime but missed the opportunity with an unnecessary touch.
Koeman made a decisive move at halftime, replacing the injured Steven Bergwijn with the speedy Donyell Malen to exploit Romania’s vulnerability at left-back. Malen immediately created chances, including a cut-back that should have been finished by Xavi Simons or Memphis Depay. Shortly before the hour mark, Malen crossed when a shot might have been better, and Virgil van Dijk hit the post from the resulting corner with a header. Nita made a dramatic save denying Cody Gakpo after a powerful run, and Gakpo had a goal disallowed for offside by VAR from the subsequent corner.
The pressure continued relentlessly, knowing that a Romanian comeback was possible if the score remained close. With 20 minutes left, Romania made substitutions to inject fresh energy, but they struggled to contain the Dutch. Despite a contentious foul on Dumfries halting a promising break, Romania became increasingly vulnerable as the match progressed, and their coach Edward Iordanescu accepted the outcome without complaint.
As the game neared its end, Joey Veerman narrowly missed with a shot from a Gakpo backheel, and Malen had a close-range effort blocked after a setup by Malen’s driving play. In the final minutes, Gakpo powered into the box, eluded Dragusin, and set up Malen for a tap-in. Malen then scored again with the last kick of the match, bursting through once more and driving the ball into the same near post.