We made it to quarter final

…book Euros Quarter-Finals

The Netherlands secured their first UEFA European Championship quarter-final spot since 2008 with a commanding 3-0 win over Romania.

Romania started strong, pressing intensely, and Ianis Hagi played with a head bandage after sustaining a cut early in the match. Dennis Man nearly scored with a close effort, but it was Cody Gakpo who broke the deadlock for the Netherlands 20 minutes in. Gakpo cut inside Andrei Rațiu and fired a shot past Florin Nita at the near post, giving the Dutch a crucial lead.

This goal lifted Ronald Koeman’s team, with Radu Dragusin blocking a Tijjani Reijnders shot and Stefan de Vrij heading just wide from the resulting corner. Dragusin continued his solid defense, making key tackles on Memphis Depay and intercepting a Denzel Dumfries cross.

Romania suffered a setback when Vasile Mogos had to leave the pitch following a collision with Dumfries. However, both Xavi Simons and Denis Dragus missed opportunities to capitalize on defensive errors before halftime.

In the second half, Reijnders had a shot blocked by Bogdan Racovițan, and Romanian defenders, including Andrei Ratiu, made critical stops against Depay. Despite their efforts, the Dutch persisted. Virgil van Dijk hit the post with a header, and Gakpo had a goal ruled out for offside.

The Netherlands continued to push for a second goal. Depay and Joey Veerman both had close attempts, but it was Gakpo who set up Donyell Malen to double the lead. Malen then added another with a blistering run and finish, sealing the Netherlands' first Euros knockout victory since 2004.

Romania, despite their early exit, can take pride in advancing past the group stage for the first time since 2000. They leave the tournament having lost two of their last three matches, but their spirited performance will be remembered.

Kindly like, share and leave your comments.