Malen doubles up as Dutch outclass Romania to reach Euro 2024 quarters
After a week of soul-searching, the Netherlands emerged from defeat in their last group game to give a vivid display of their potential on Tuesday in outclassing Romania and booking a quarter-final place at the European Championship.
The Netherlands swept into their first European Championship quarter-final since 2008 as Donyell Malen scored twice in a 3-0 win over Romania in the last 16 on Tuesday.
Cody Gakpo gave the Dutch an early lead but they were unable to convert pressure into a crucial second goal until the Liverpool forward set up Malen with seven minutes remaining in Munich.
Romania were gritty but out-classed, lacking the quality to punish their opponents' profligacy before Malen added his second on the counter in stoppage-time.
The victory put the Oranje on course for a quarter-final clash with Turkey or Austria, who beat the Netherlands in 3-2 in the group stage.
"We played a good game. I'm very pleased. Especially after the last game we needed a reaction and today was a good step in the right direction," Gakpo said.
"We talked a lot about the aggression, the intensity and defending like a team. It was a good step.
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