The Netherlands moved through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at the expense of Romania with a fine 3-0 victory in Munich.
Marshalled by Virgil van Dijk at the back with the razor-sharp attacking thrust of Cody Gakpo up top, Ronald Koeman’s side looked to have finally found their vim, and they will now take on the winner of Austria and Turkey, who play later on Tuesday.
Cody Gakpo scored his third goal of Euro 2024 as the Netherlands beat Romania 3-0 in Munich to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition for the first time since 2008.
Gakpo’s first-half strike gave Ronald Koeman’s side a deserved lead before the Liverpool man did wonderfully to set up substitute Donyell Malen to tap home late on and double their lead.
As Romania pressed for a consolation, Borussia Dortmund winger Malen was able to counter and score his second of the game deep into added time with a superb solo run.
It was a thoroughly-deserved victory for the Netherlands who dominated throughout and created several chances despite moments of pressure from Edward Iordanescu’s side.
After an underwhelming group stage, the Dutch will take plenty from this performance ahead of their meeting with either Turkey or Austria in the last eight in Berlin on Saturday.