The Netherlands secured their spot in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals despite squandering numerous opportunities, defeating Romania 3-0 in Munich.
Ronald Koeman’s team, despite 23 attempts on goal, relied on a superb Cody Gakpo strike in the first half and a late brace from substitute Donyell Malen to advance to the last eight.
Romania approached their first knockout game since Euro 2000 with boldness and positivity, causing the Dutch to retreat early on.
However, any initial nerves from the Dutch were short-lived.
Gakpo, in excellent form for the Dutch team, scored his third goal of the tournament with a precise finish past goalkeeper Florin Nita.
Memphis Depay came close with a free-kick and Joey Veerman’s shot narrowly missed, but the decisive second goal eventually came when Gakpo kept the ball in play and set up Malen for a straightforward finish.
Malen then capped off the match with a clinical goal, receiving a smart pass from Simons, evading defenders, and slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
