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Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands had a point to prove in their EURO 2024 Round-of-16 clash against high-flying Romania. They had to show their poor group-stage showing was merely a blip. They had to prove they were still one of the contenders for the coveted continental trophy.
Romania, determined to extend their historic EURO 2024 run, put early pressure on the Dutch. But instead of cracking under it, they used it to mould themselves and emerge as a lethal attacking machine. Buoyed by the genius of Cody Gakpo and Donyell Malen, Koeman’s boys bagged a thumping 3-0 victory at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday (July 2), securing their place in the quarter-finals.
Cody Gakpo & Donyell Malen Fire Netherlands Into EURO 2024 Quarters
Romania enjoyed a blistering start in Munich, wasting no time taking the fight to the opposition. In the 14th minute, Dennis Man came agonizingly close to scoring the opener, as his left-footed drive from outside the box narrowly missed the top-left corner.
Following Man’s rude wake-up call, the Netherlands finally started asserting some control, and it paid dividends just five minutes later, Liverpool ace Gakpo found the back of the net in style. The attacker took control of the ball on the left flank, cut in, and dispatched a thumping strike. Romania goalkeeper Florin Nita was guarding the near post, but he still could not keep it out. Romania tried to hit back immediately, but the Dutch backline tightened to deny them any clear-cut opening.
Holland had complete control of the game in the second half, with them mounting one chance after another in search of the insurance goal. Once again, Gakpo proved integral, as he weaved past Radu Dragusin down the left touch-line before rolling it in for Malen. The substitute, who came on at half-time, applied a cool finish to make it 2-0 for the Dutch.
Malen doubled his money through a blistering counter-attack in injury time. With Romania putting all their players in the Dutch box for an…
Source link : https://sportslens.com/news/euro-2024-netherlands-gakpo-romania/
Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-07-03 05:59:53
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