Gakpo scored his third goal of the championship to send the Netherlands to the quarter-finals. Another goal against the Romanians was taken away by VAR

The penultimate quarter-finalist of the 17th European Championship was the Netherlands, who defeated Romania 3-0. This was decided by Cody Gakpo’s third goal of the tournament. The chance to climb to the top of the cannonball table was taken away from the Liverpool goalkeeper by an offside. The other two goals were scored by Donyell Malen.

Tuesday was the last day of the eight-final matches at this year’s European Championship. The early evening match pitted the surprise winner of a tight Group E from Romania against the Dutch. The Oranjes went through to the play-offs as the best team in the third-team table.

Both coaches relied on proven line-ups, with former Spartan Florin Nita in goal on the Romanian side, and Nicolae Stanciu, a member of the successful Slavic line-up, playing in goal. Ronald Koeman sent Steven Bergwijn on the wing for the first time in the tournament.

After the initial tryout, the Romanians were the first to get angry. Dennis Man had a beautiful individual action and put several opponents out of action, but his shot didn’t threaten Verbruggen, it flew over the bar.

The score didn’t change for the first time until the 20th minute. Cody Gakpo showed a good action with his teammate Simons, which the Liverpool forward solved with a shot to the near post, Nita had no chance. The favourite of the match was in a very comfortable position.

Gakpa’s second goal of the game was taken away by an offside

Six minutes later it could have been even better for the Oranjes. Stefan de Vrij won a header in the small corner of the net, but it was just wide of the right post. Then Edward Iordanescu had to substitute the injured Mogos, replaced by Racovitan.

Xavi Simons had the last chance of the opening act, the offensive whizzkid visiting Leipzig last season from PSG challenged Dumfries to score but missed the right post from the penalty spot. The score was 1: 0 to the Netherlands.

The second half started with a dangerous penalty kick by Stancio, which was followed by a failed shot by Reijnders. Depay and again Gakpo had further scoring opportunities. The latter even overcame Nita for the second time in the 63rd minute, but the next goal was taken away by an offside. He did not top the scorers’ table.

Seven minutes before the end of regulation time, Gakpo, the best player of the match, performed another parade, after which he presented Malen with the ball in front of an empty net – 2: 0 and the game was decided. In injury time, Malen scored the second goal after a fast break. The Romanians just looked sadly at each other.

Unlike at the last Euro, theDutch have now passed the eight-final trap and can look forward to Saturday’s match in Berlin against the better of Austria and Turkey.

Source: EURO 2024, CT Sport, UEFA.com