Netherlands Crush Romania to Secure Quarterfinal Spot, Turkey Triumph

The Netherlands swept into their first European Championship quarter-final since 2008 with a commanding 3-0 victory over Romania in the last 16 on Tuesday. Donyell Malen’s brace and Cody Gakpo’s early strike secured the win, setting up a quarter-final clash with Turkey, who triumphed over Austria.

Gakpo Sparks Oranje Surge

Prior to the match, Netherlands’ captain Virgil van Dijk emphasized the need for energy and the “will to win” following their lackluster performance against Austria. Despite this rallying cry, the Dutch started sluggishly, with Group E winners Romania, who had earlier defeated Ukraine 3-0, putting early pressure on them.

However, Cody Gakpo broke the deadlock in the 20th minute. A precise long pass from Jerdy Schouten found Xavi Simons, who then assisted Gakpo to blast the ball past Romania’s goalkeeper Florin Nita. This goal ignited a period of Dutch dominance, though they missed several opportunities to extend their lead before halftime.

Malen Seals the Victory

In the second half, the Netherlands continued to squander chances, with Memphis Depay and Virgil van Dijk going close and a Gakpo goal being ruled out by VAR for offside. As the Dutch nerves grew, Romania failed to capitalize on their opponents’ profligacy.

Gakpo, who was named player of the match, dribbled through a crowded penalty area in the 83rd minute and set up Malen for a crucial second goal. Malen then added his second in stoppage time, making him the first Dutch player to score twice in a Euros knockout match since 2000.

Coaches’ Reactions

Ronald Koeman, the Dutch coach, praised the overall performance but noted the need for better finishing. “The only critical point was that it took us too long to score the second one,” he said, adding, “We have to play well. This is the level we need. If we drop our level, we won’t make the final.”

Romania’s coach Edward Iordanescu acknowledged his team’s efforts, stating, “We tried to surprise the Netherlands today and it worked – until the 20th minute.” He saw positives in the performance, saying, “Good things can inspire us for the future.”

Turkey’s Triumph and Upcoming Clash

In another round of 16 match, Turkey secured a 2-1 victory over Austria, with Merih Demiral scoring twice, including the second-fastest goal in Euros history at 57 seconds. Goalkeeper Mert Gunok’s spectacular save in injury time ensured Turkey’s win, setting up a quarterfinal showdown with the Netherlands.

Turkey’s coach Vincenzo Montella praised his team’s spirit, saying, “Our team spirit showed until the last minute. We will gather our mental and physical strength and keep following our path.”

Austria’s coach Ralf Rangnick lamented missed opportunities, stating, “The only thing we could be accused of is that we didn’t score enough goals from the chances we had.” Despite their efforts, Austria couldn’t find the equalizer, ending their Euro 2024 journey.

As the Netherlands prepare for their quarterfinal clash with Turkey, Koeman’s team will need to build on their strong performance and improve their efficiency in front of goal to advance further in the tournament.