Netherlands reach Euro last eight with Romania win

THOMAS KIENZLE/ AFP

Cody Gakpo scored his third goal of the European Championship and Donyell Malen added two more late on as the Netherlands defeated Romania 3-0 in their last-16 fixture on Tuesday.

The Dutch had been lambasted by their media and fans for a poor defensive display in their final group game, a 3-2 loss to Austria, but were more composed and in control as they reach the Euro quarter-finals for the first time since 2008.

They took the lead after 20 minutes when Gakpo drilled a low angled shot home at goalkeeper Florin Nita's near post before Malan's late double helped set up a quarter-final with Austria or Turkey, who play later on Tuesday.

The Netherlands had two thirds of possession and almost five times more chances in the game to underline their superiority as Virgil van Dijk struck the post with a header and Gakpo had a second effort ruled out for offside.

More from Sports

  • Budimir gives Croatia win to eliminate Panama in Group L

    Ante Budimir has guided Croatia to a 1-0 win over a stubborn Panama side in their World Cup Group L clash on Tuesday, giving the Balkan side a crucial three points and eliminating the Central Americans on a night where the stakes were high for both sides.

  • England fail to break down Ghana in goalless draw

    England has failed to find a way through a resolute Ghana side and had to settle for a 0-0 draw in their second World Cup Group L match on Tuesday.

  • Ronaldo guides Portugal to big win over Uzbekistan

    Cristiano Ronaldo became the first player to score in six World Cups and Portugal’s all-time leading marksman at the global finals with two goals in Tuesday’s emphatic 5-0 Group K win over Uzbekistan in Houston.

  • US eases restrictions on Iran's world cup team

    The United States eased restrictions on the Iran squad's travel arrangements at the World Cup on Tuesday, allowing them to travel two days before their next match, the US Department of Homeland Security said.

  • Pant returns to Delhi in IPL swap with Kuldeep

    Former Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant will return to the Delhi Capitals while spinner Kuldeep Yadav will move the other way in a high-profile player trade in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the organisers said on Tuesday.

Recently Played

Latest Blogs