The Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at the expense of Romania with a convincing 3-0 victory in Munich.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – KODI GAKPO (NETHERLANDS)
Despite Mullen’s late brace, Gakpo’s opening goal and wonderful assist made this an easy choice. He quickly becomes a star star on this side.
PLAYER RATINGS
Romania: Nita 5; Taiu 6, Dragušin 8, Burca 6, Mogoš 5; M.Marin 6; Hagi 7, R.Marin 6, Stanciu 7, Man 6; Draguš 6. Substitutions: Rakovitan 4, Alibev, 5, Mihaila 5, Cikauldau 6, Olaru N/A.
Netherlands: Verbruggen 6; Dumfries 8, De Vrij 7, van Dijk 6, Ake 7; Reinders 7, Schouten 7, Simmons 8; Bergwijn 5, Depay 7, Gakpo 9*. Subs: Malen 8, van de Ven 7, Veerman 6, Veghorst 5, Blind N/A.
THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE MATCH
20′ – GOAL! ROMANIA 0-1 NETHERLANDS (Cody Gakpo): It’s the third goal of the tournament for Cody Gak who receives the ball from Simmons on the left. He cuts in and hits a low effort past Nita at the near post.
30′ – HUGE CHANCE FOR DE VRIJ: Depay plays a corner at the back post, and De Vrij has to score! The defender looks to head at the near post, but it goes just wide. Big chance for two.
61′ – VAN Dijk hits the post: Corner comes in from the right, and van Dijk rises highest and almost heads free. He looks to direct it down at the near post but it flies upright and behind.
63′ – GOAL OFF BY KODI GAKPO: Gakpo has the ball in the back of the net but there is a VAR check for offside. Ake crossed it to Gakpo who poked home but was clearly offside.
83′ – GOAL! ROMANIA 0-2 NETHERLANDS (Donjel Mullen): Gakpo beats him as Romania try to clear before beating Dragušina on the outside and doing well to keep the game on the line. He manages to return the shot to Malen who has an empty net to shoot.
90+3′ – GOAL! ROMANIA 0-3 NETHERLANDS (Donjel Mullen): Mullen drove the ball to the edge of the area before weaving past the Romanian defenders and finishing clinically at the near post.