Gakpo Cracks the Cody to Unlock Stubborn Tricolorii
The Netherlands secured a spot in their first UEFA European Championship quarter-final since 2008 with a commanding 3-0 victory over a determined Romania side.
First Half: Early Romanian Pressure and Gakpo’s Breakthrough
Romania showcased their commitment from the start, pressing relentlessly. Ianis Hagi wore a head covering after sustaining a cut within the first three minutes, epitomizing their gritty approach. Dennis Man also displayed quality, narrowly missing the target with a threatening effort. Despite early struggles, the Netherlands broke the deadlock 20 minutes in when Cody Gakpo cut inside Andrei Rațiu and fired a strike past Florin Niță at the near post.
This goal visibly boosted Ronald Koeman’s side. Radu Drăgușin had to block Tijjani Reijnders’ effort, and Stefan de Vrij’s header from the ensuing corner hit the side netting. Drăgușin continued his valiant defense, blocking Memphis Depay and cutting out Denzel Dumfries’ cutback. However, Romania suffered a blow as Vasile Mogoș’s first Euros appearance ended early after a collision with Dumfries. Despite mistakes from Xavi Simons and Denis Drăguș, the half ended with the Netherlands leading 1-0.
Second Half: Continued Dutch Pressure and Sealing the Victory
Shortly after the restart, Reijnders burst through the Romanian defense but was blocked by Bogdan Racovițan. Andrei Rațiu and desperate Romanian defending continued to deny Depay. The Oranje craved a second goal, but Virgil van Dijk’s header hit the post and Gakpo’s would-be goal was ruled out for offside. Depay’s intelligent free-kick and Joey Veerman’s attempt both narrowly missed, keeping an equalizer tantalizingly close for Romania.
Gakpo eventually forced the buffer, getting past Drăgușin and laying the ball off for Donyell Malen to convert. Malen then embarked on a blistering run and finished clinically, adding gloss to the scoreline. This marked the Netherlands’ first Euros knockout win since 2004. Romania’s campaign, marked by their first progression past the group stage since 2000, ended with pride despite losing two of their last three matches.