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July 2 – Netherlands silenced their critics with a win over Romania in what started as a bitter dogfight but ended up with a runaway 3-0 scoreline that could have been even more.
The Allianz Arena watched on as the Dutchmen secured their place in the quarter finals in spectacular fashion. A date with the winner of Turkey v Austria looms on Saturday.
Koeman’s side were better value than the three-goal lead, impressing in attack. Cody Gakpo returned to the top of the competition’s goalscoring charts, joining Germany’s Jamal Musiala, Georgia’s Georges Mikautadze and Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz on three goals.
The Liverpool man enjoyed a superb performance in Munich, which saw him pick up a goal, assist and the Man of the Match award for his efforts.
Cody Gakpo of the Netherlands celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Xavi Simons
The Dutch were looking to recover from their unsuccessful clash with Austria last week. Although they lost out by a slender one-goal margin, Koeman’s side were truly second best but had eight days to recover and draw up a plan to get back on track.
Romania, meanwhile, were the unlikely leaders of Group F thanks to an inspiring 3-0 opening win versus Ukraine, which was enough for them to top the group on goal difference.
Koeman reverted back to his favoured 4-2-3-1 shape, dropping Donyell Malen and Joey Veerman from last week’s meagre showing versus Austria. That being said, Malen went on to prove his worth with two impressive goals.
Dutch youngster Xavi Simons returned to the starting team after impressing last week, whilst Ajax winger Steven Bergwijn picked up his first start of the tournament as Koeman continued to be frustrated by his right winger selection conundrum.
Donyell Malen scored the second Dutch goal
Meanwhile, Romania boss Eduard Iordanescu was forced to introduce Vasile Mogos to the starting XI after first-choice left back Nicusor Bancu was ruled out due to suspension. Mogos’ cameo didn’t last…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/07/02/dutch-brush-romania-aside-3-0-head-berlin/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-07-02 19:05:50
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