The Netherlands returned to winning ways making a formidable comeback defeating Romania 3-0 in their European Championships on July 2. The Dutch who were criticised and bombarded with trolls after their poor defensive show in their final group game resulting a 3-2 loss to Austria returned to winning ways against Romania which helped them seal qualifier berth for the first time since 2008.
The Netherlands defeated Romania 3-0 in their last 16 fixture on July 2. Donyell Malen scored two late goals to seal the game for Dutch. Meanwhile, Cody Gakpo also scored a goal, his third goal of the Euro 2024. Criticised by their media and fans for a defensive display against Austria, the Dutch tried to cash in from the minute go against Romania playing an aggressive game. Romania controlled the game by taking possession in the first quarter of an hour but the Dutch slowly gained momentum and opened the scoring.
The Dutch had two third of possession and five times more chance than Romania with 24 attempts in the game to continue their dominance. Gakpo who was exceptional all night also assisted Malen’s first goal in 83rd minute where he kept the ball on touchlines and knocked it off for an easy tap in.
“This was the answer we had to our last performance – good game, good goals, we played good football,” Gapko said after the game. “Of course we can do better but this is a good step in the next direction. We never had a feeling that we would lose control of the game.”
Mert Gunok’s ‘save of the century’ helps Turkey seal The Euros QF after 2-1 win over Austria
Turkey will face Netherlands in the quarter- finals of Euro 2024 after they won a thriller 2-1 on July 2 against Austria. Both Netherlands and Turkey reached the quarter-finals of a European Championship for the first time since 2008.
Turkey’s goalkeeper Mert Gunok’s “save of the century” and Merih Demiral’s double strike ensured Turkey overcome Austria. The central defender Merih was the ‘man of the match’ as he scored a goal after 57 seconds. He scored again in the second half with a header.
Along with his striking what saved Turkey from getting the score equalised was Gunok’s exceptional save. Austria, on the other hand, fought back with Michael Gregoritsch midway through the second half. Austria would go disappointed as their chance of equalising the game was denied in the final seconds when Christoph Baugartner’s header was saved by a one handed stop from Mert.
Turkey’s win was followed by celebrations across many cities in Germany. While Turkey fans took to streets waving flags and chanting. Turkey would be hoping to replicate their run to the last four from 16 years ago.
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