The Netherlands’ dominating victory over Romania in the EURO2024 round-of-16 clash in Munich was a match filled with dramatic end to end attacking and tireless defending. Here are five key takeaways from an energetic encounter.
Koeman’s finally gets his team selection right
Ronald Koeman’s inconsistent team selection across the tournament has made it abundantly clear that he is yet to find his strongest starting eleven following below-par group stage performances that saw his side finish in 3rd place.
However, Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Romania was the most assured the Dutch side have looked all tournament, with a dominant attacking display and a vastly improved defensive performance compared to their defeat to Austria. One key re-introduction was that of right back Denzel Dumfries, who attacked relentlessly throughout and helped maintain the balance in defence.
Koeman also brought talented playmaker Xavi Simons back into the starting lineup in a deeper role and it was a tactical masterclass, with the young midfielder playing a pivotal role in the free flowing attacking football the Dutch side showed today.
Gakpo continues to be the shining light
Cody Gakpo’s first-half strike saw the Liverpool midfielder move to joint top of the golden boot race at EURO2024 with three goals. The Dutch winger received the ball on the left hand side from Xavi Simons and showed speed and agility to cut inside on to his favoured right foot, unleashing a powerful near post effort that stung the hands of Florin Niță on the way into the back of the net.
Gakpo was once again the most potent attacking threat for Koeman’s side and has enjoyed an impressive run of form at major international tournaments for his country, scoring six times in his last nine appearances at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and EURO2024.
The Dutch enjoyed plenty of attacking chances in the victory over Romania, and they will need Gakpo to bring his shooting boots again in the quarterfinals if they stand a chance of progressing.
Malen reclaims his starting spot
After scoring an own goal against Austria and struggling to influence the game, Donyell Malen found himself being dropped for the round-of-16 tie with Romania – but he ensured he made a lasting impact with two well-taken goals late on to send the Dutch into the last eight.
The 25-year-old forward was introduced at half time, replacing Steven Bergwijn who had been selected to start the match ahead of him, and he ensured Koeman will have no doubts in his team selection in the quarterfinals.
Malen doubled the lead in the 83rd minute with a simple finish after fine work by Cody Gakpo and then added the third for the Dutch in injury time with a driving run through the heart of the scrambling Romanian defence, cutting inside and slotting a cool finish into the bottom left corner to send the Orange wall behind the goal into pandemonium.
Romania have inspired a nation
The surprise package of EURO2024, Romania’s passion and desire across this tournament has reinvigorated a country who have not been able to support their national team to this level since Gheorghe Hagi’s golden generation.
A 3-0 thumping of Ukraine in the opening fixture, topping their group for the first time and advancing to the knockout stages for the first time in 24 years — it has been an incredible tournament for Romania, and they pushed the Netherlands right to the wire in the round-of-16 clash.
A talented mix of experience and youth produced an attacking style of play led by manager Edward Iordănescu, took the tournament by surprise and were unfortunate to have faced such a well organised Dutch side.
The level of commitment and performance shown by Romania’s players has made one thing clear, that it will not be another 24 years before they are challenging at a major tournament once again.
Drăgușin‘s leadership nearly carries Romania over the line
Across the pitch there was such togetherness and unity in the way Romania defended in the defeat to the Netherlands but there was one standout performance that led by example: Radu Drăgușin.
The 23 year old defender put in a colossal defensive performance at centre back and was extremely unlucky to be on the losing side. With 11 clearances, five interceptions and an abundance of tackles, Drăgușin did not let the Dutch attackers have a moment’s rest and put in a remarkable goal line clearance denying Memphis Depay in the first half.