July 2 – Netherlands silenced their critics with a win over Romania in what started as a bitter dogfight but ended up with a runaway 3-0 scoreline that could have been even more.
The Allianz Arena watched on as the Dutchmen secured their place in the quarter finals in spectacular fashion. A date with the winner of Turkey v Austria looms on Saturday.
Koeman’s side were better value than the three-goal lead, impressing in attack. Cody Gakpo returned to the top of the competition’s goalscoring charts, joining Germany’s Jamal Musiala, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze and Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz on three goals.
The Liverpool man enjoyed a superb performance in Munich, which saw him pick up a goal, assist and the Man of the Match award for his efforts.
The Dutch were looking to recover from their unsuccessful clash with Austria last week. Although they lost out by a slender one-goal margin, Koeman’s side were truly second best but had eight days to recover and draw up a plan to get back on track.
Romania, meanwhile, were the unlikely leaders of Group F thanks to an inspiring 3-0 opening win versus Ukraine, which was enough for them to top the group on goal difference.
Koeman reverted back to his favoured 4-2-3-1 shape, dropping Donyell Malen and Joey Veerman from last week’s meagre showing versus Austria. That being said, Malen went on to prove his worth with two impressive goals.
Dutch youngster Xavi Simons returned to the starting team after impressing last week, whilst Ajax winger Steven Bergwijn picked up his first start of the tournament as Koeman continued to be frustrated by his right winger selection conundrum.
Meanwhile, Romania boss Eduard Iordanescu was forced to introduce Vasile Mogos to the starting XI after first-choice left back Nicusor Bancu was ruled out due to suspension. Mogos’ cameo didn’t last long, however, as the player was hooked by Iordanescu after just 37 minutes. He looked to be suffering from a head knock picked up earlier in the match.
Dennis Man was also picked after being dropped for the Romanian’s last group game versus Slovakia – marking the only two changes heading into the knockout tie.
Romania challenged Netherlands with an uber-aggressive opening to the match. Ianis Hagi’s blood was spilled just three minutes in following a clash with Dutch defender Denzel Dumfries, as the Romanian’s legendary father watched on from the stands with concern.
With the Romanians briefly down to ten men as Hagi’s wound was treated on the sidelines, Netherlands began to establish some control on an otherwise jumpy start to the opening half.
Approaching the 15-minute mark, Romania looked positive in attack and looked to test Bart Verburggen.
But it was the Dutch, against the run of play, who struck first though winger Cody Gakpo, who netted his third goal of the tournament with a finish at the near post, assisted by Xavi Simons.
Gakpo has scored in three of his side’s four games, only missing out in the 0-0 draw with France in the group stage.
The goal kickstarted Netherlands’ energy as they looked hungry to secure a second, whilst panic began to set in for the Romanians.
As the game approached its half, Netherlands were in cruise control. They came close to adding a second through Xavi Simons, but the youngster couldn’t find his feet to get a shot away.
Steven Bergwijn was the only victim of the half time substitutions, making way for Donyell Malen on the right hand side.
The Dutch nearly opened the half by doubling their lead as a scrappy shot from Memphis Depay ricocheted around the box, before eventually nestling comfortably in the very relieved gloves of Romanian goalkeeper Florin Nita.
The men in orange continued to threaten as the second half wore on, with captain Virgil Van Dijk’s 57th-minute header shaving the post from a corner.
Gakpo prodded home to mark his second goal of the game in the 60th minute, but it was chalked off after a lengthy VAR check for offside. Netherlands looked utterly in the mood, but still only led by a goal.
Lining up a free kick on the edge of the box, Memphis Depay came close to finding that elusive second goal with a cheeky shot that crept under the wall, shaving the wrong side of the post as Nita watched on hopelessly.
Romania needed change and they needed it fast. Their first substitution came in the 71st minute, as Dennis Dragus, Hagi and Marius Marin made way for attacking reinforcements Denis Alibec, Alexandri Cicalau and Valentin Mihaila.
Although Romania saw a slight revival as the game approached its end, it was too little too late.
Substitute Donyell Malen scored from close range to give his side a firm grip to close out the game with just ten minutes to play. He was assisted by a determined run from Gakpo, who danced along the byline to put in on a plate for his compatriot.
With a minute left of play, Malen scored a stylish second goal to silence his critics and mark a convincing win for the Dutch.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1720132527labto1720132527ofdlr1720132527owedi1720132527sni@g1720132527niwe.1720132527yrrah1720132527