The Netherlands clawed their way to the Euro 2024 quarterfinals with a 3-0 victory over Romania in Munich, thanks to Malen’s late double.
The Dutch, despite Cody Gakpo’s early strike, were forced to sweat for victory after failing to capitalize on a flurry of chances.
Romania initially threatened, with Dennis Man nearly causing an upset. Gakpo, however, single-handedly shifted the momentum with his third goal of the tournament. Cutting inside from the left, he unleashed a thunderous right-foot shot that nestled inside Florin Nita’s near post.
The Dutch continued to bombard Romania’s defense, with Tijjan Reijnder’s powerful effort blocked and Stefan De Vrij’s header narrowly missing the target. It was Malen, coming off the bench, who emerged as the hero.
Seven minutes from time, Malen calmed Dutch nerves with a close-range finish. He put the game to bed with a dazzling run and a clinical finish as stoppage time ticked down, sealing a well-deserved victory for the Oranje.
Dragusin did well to clear Denzel Dumfries’cross early in the first half, but Romania’s reprieve was short-lived. Xavi Simons capitalized on Bogdan Racovitan’s fumble and skewed his shot wide, leaving the Dutch fans gasping.
The Oranje’s dominance turned into a game of inches as Denis Dragus tested Bart Verbruggen with a stinging shot.
The second half mirrored the first. Memphis Depay and Malen found themselves tangled in a goalmouth scramble, both failing to make decisive contact. Van Dijk’s header rattled the post, echoing the frustration building on the Dutch side.
Gakpo continued his personal duel with Nita, forcing a sharp save before having a close-range effort chalked off for offside. The frustration was palpable as Depay’s free-kick sailed just over and Joey Veerman’s attempt went agonizingly close.
A glimmer of hope emerged for Romania when a foul by Denis Alibec halted Nicolae Stanciu’s promising run. But it was a fleeting moment of joy, eclipsed by Malen’s late heroics that secured the Dutch victory.
