The Netherlands triumphed 3-0 over Romania in their round of 16 clash on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone by reaching the Euro quarterfinals for the first time since 2008.
In a match that saw the Dutch exhibiting both defensive solidity and offensive prowess, Cody Gakpo continued his stellar form by netting his third goal of the tournament. Donyell Malen contributed significantly too, scoring twice in the dying moments of the game to seal the victory.
Coming off a disappointing 3-2 loss to Austria in their previous match, the Netherlands needed a strong performance to regain their momentum. Romania started strong, controlling the tempo in the first quarter of an hour. However, as the game progressed, the Netherlands found their rhythm and dominated possession, holding onto the ball for two-thirds of the match.
Dominant Dutch Offense
The statistics highlight the Netherlands' offensive dominance, as they recorded almost five times more attempts on goal than Romania, with a total of 24 shots. One of the most thrilling moments came when Virgil van Dijk's header struck the post, nearly adding to the scoreline.
Reflecting on the match, Van Dijk expressed satisfaction with the team's performance. "Very proud, sure, and pleased as well. We were defensively sound and solid and did not give up much," he said. "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. 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."
Koeman's Tactical Mastery
Head coach Ronald Koeman's tactical adjustments paid off, particularly in the second half. Koeman acknowledged the team's awareness of their previous shortcomings. "I thought there were a lot of good things we did. The team realised 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 stated.
Koeman's tactical plan, informed by an in-depth analysis of Romania's gameplay, enabled the Dutch team to exploit key weaknesses. "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," he explained, adding that he never doubted his team's defensive capabilities. "I wasn't scared they'd equalise because we defended so well. I thought Xavi Simons was our best player too, he drove the team forward and was nice and aggressive."
Late Surge Seals the Deal
Although the Netherlands had maintained control for much of the game, it wasn't until the final minutes that the scoreline reflected their dominance. In the 83rd minute, Gakpo set up Malen for his first goal, a move that showcased the team's attacking harmony. Malen then completed his brace in stoppage time, securing a decisive 3-0 victory.
For Gakpo, the match was a testament to the team's ability to bounce back. "This was the answer we had to our last performance -- good game, good goals, we played good football," he said. Despite the commanding win, Gakpo remained mindful of areas for improvement. "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," he added.
Looking Ahead
The Netherlands now turn their focus to the quarter-final clash against either Austria or Turkey, set to take place in Berlin on Saturday. With their recent performance sparking a rejuvenation of confidence, the Dutch team will be keen to build on their newfound momentum and continue their quest for Euro glory.