The Netherlands secured their spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over Romania in Munich, despite squandering numerous chances.
Ronald Koeman’s team had 23 attempts, with Cody Gakpo’s first-half goal and a late brace from substitute Donyell Malen ensuring their progression.
Romania, in their first knockout match since Euro 2000, initially pressured the Dutch, forcing them to defend deeply.
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However, Gakpo, the Dutch talisman, opened the scoring with his third goal of the tournament, becoming the third Dutch player to score three or more goals in two major tournaments, joining Johnny Rep and Dennis Bergkamp.
The Netherlands missed several opportunities, including Stefan de Vrij’s close-range header and Memphis Depay’s missed connection.
The wastefulness continued in the second half, with Virgil van Dijk hitting the post and Gakpo’s goal being disallowed by VAR.
Eventually, Gakpo set up Malen for a crucial second goal, and Malen sealed the win by scoring again in the final moments, cutting inside Razvan Marin and finding the bottom corner.
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