The Orange left mixed impressions in the group stage. On the one hand, Ronald Koeman’s team achieved the minimum objective, reaching the playoffs, on the other hand, they finished third in their quartet, achieving only one victory. It is not surprising that Koeman’s team was mercilessly criticized at home, especially after the defeat in the last match against Austria (2-3).
It must be said that the expert did not look for excuses and honestly admitted that he himself does not like the football that the Netherlands is showing. At the same time, the orange coach continued to believe that his players would improve during the Euro and show their best side.
– We are a proud nation, we love to win by playing beautiful football, but this doesn’t always work. Of course, the lads could have performed better as a group. I accept the criticism, no problem. We want to change the situation and please the fans with the final result,” said Koeman before the match against the Romanians.
The Oranges justified their status as favourites by defeating a strong Romania
The surprising thing is that the Netherlands, traditionally considered one of the best teams in the world, last won a match in the Euro playoffs in 2004. Since then, the Orange have never made it past the last 16 of the Euros.
As for the Romanians, this team has not achieved any significant success on major forums since the time of Gheorghe Hagi. In fact, at this tournament the “boys from the Carpathians” made it to the playoffs for the first time in 24 years. However, the “blue-yellows” were not going to stop there, despite the fact that, according to FIFA’s rating, they were the weakest team in the round of 16 of the European Championship.
“We intend to rewrite history and to do so we must be ready to give our all. Every match in this type of competition is difficult and to reach the quarter-finals you will have to give your best and even more. The Netherlands will be the favourites but we will not give up,” said Romanian coach Eduard Yordenescu.
It must be said that Yordenescu’s team really gave the Netherlands a run for their money, but they still lost. Everything was decided by a goal from Cody Gakpo and a double from Doniell Malen (3:0).
The Netherlands will play the winner of the Austria/Türkiye pairing in the quarter-finals on 6 July in Berlin. On the same day in Düsseldorf, England will face Switzerland, and on 5 July the following matches will be played: Spain v Germany (Stuttgart) and Portugal v France (Hamburg).
Statistics
Romania – Netherlands – 0:3 (0:1). Munich. Allianz-Arena. Spectators: 75,000 Referee: Zweier (Germany). Goals: Gakpo, 20, Malen, 83, 90+3. Caution: Marin, 67, Stanciu, 82 – Dumfries, 78.
