Netherlands Silences Critics With Commanding Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals Entry

The Netherlands' 3-0 victory over Romania in the Euro 2024 last-16 tie was a significant response to media criticism, according to Cody Gakpo. Gakpo scored the opening goal, with Donyell Malen adding two more late on. This win secured their place in the quarter-finals.

Gakpo has now netted six goals across the last two major tournaments, only behind Kylian Mbappe's nine goals among European players. He joins Johnny Rep and Dennis Bergkamp as one of three Oranje players to score three or more goals in two separate tournaments.

Virgil van Dijk highlighted the team's defensive solidity against Romania. "We were defensively sound and solid and did not give up much," Van Dijk said. He acknowledged that they could have scored more but was proud of the team's overall performance.

The Netherlands faced heavy criticism after finishing third in Group D. Gakpo recognised the need for a strong response. "This was the answer we had to our last performance," he said. "We had a good game, scored good goals, we played good football."

The Netherlands have advanced from a European Championship knockout match for the first time since 2004 when they beat Sweden on penalties. Excluding penalties, their last knockout win was a 6-1 thrashing of Yugoslavia in 2000, which remains the biggest margin of victory at the tournament.

Van Dijk noted that after a turbulent week with much criticism, they needed to show improvement. "After a turbulent week, where a lot was said, we had to show something and we did that," he stated.

Gakpo's Performance

Cody Gakpo is now joint-top scorer at Euro 2024 with three goals. Only Kylian Mbappe has scored more goals across the last two major tournaments than Gakpo.

Cody Gakpo is now joint-top scorer at Euro 2024 with three goals. Of European players, only Kylian Mbapp (9 in 10 games) has scored more goals across the last two major tournaments (2022 World Cup and Euro 2024) than Gakpo (6 in 9 games).pic.twitter.com/KCYNDiYPk2

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) July 2, 2024

Reflecting on their performance, Gakpo mentioned feeling in control despite Romania being dangerous opponents. "We felt we were in control even though they were a dangerous opponent," he said.

Van Dijk also emphasised self-criticism within the team and their determination to improve after their previous game. "We are self-critical and we knew it had to be a lot better after the last game," he added.

This victory marks an important milestone for Dutch football as they aim for further success in Euro 2024.