THE history of international football is littered with examples of highly talented Dutch teams that failed to live up to expectations.
The Netherlands have finished runners-up thrice in World Cups! The current Dutch squad have the requisite talent in the shape of Memphis Depay, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gapko but have failed to ignite the tournament until this morning.
The Oranje overpowered a highly fancied Romanian side to advance and underline their own tournament credentials. Their fans will be hoping history repeats itself in Germany as the Netherlands’ sole success in international football was when Ruud Gullit and Co triumphed in Munich in 1988.
Turkiye and Austria played a pulsating game with the well-supported Turks holding on for a famous victory that takes them to the qaurterfinals.
This is the round-up of the knockout games played early this morning.
Netherlands 3 v Romania 0
Expectations and belief has been restored among Dutch supporters after a convincing victory over Romania booked the Netherlands a spot in the last eight.
There had been murmurs of discontent following a less-than-convincing start to Euro 2024 that included defeat to a rampaging Austria side.
But on the night, Ronald Koeman got his tactics right and this talented squad showed what they are capable of, not least Gapko who put in a man-of-match performance.
The Liverpool striker opened the scoring halfway through the first half cutting in from the left flank before unleashing a curling effort that nestled in the corner of the Romania net.
The Dutch were in complete control but failed to add to the tally giving the Romanians hope that an equaliser coud be found. But as they piled forward in search of that goal to force extra time, the Netherlands broke to score twice late on via Donyell Malen.
The Oranje march onwards and on this showing, will believe they replicate the heroes of 1988.
Turkiye 2 v Austria 1
Austria, coached by ex-Manchester United boss Ralf Ragnick, have earned many admirers with their high-pressing football. Their brand of swift, attacking football is pleasing on the eye and has made them dark horses to lift the trophy.
Standing in their way were Turkiye whose supporters had turned many of the German venues into homes away from home. Those supporters had plenty to cheer when Merih Demiral scored inside the first minute, and who later doubled the lead on the hour mark.
Turkiye had to play much of the game on the backfoot as Austria threw the proverbial kitchen sink at them.
Michael Gregoritsch gave Austria a lifeline in the 66th minute and it took an absolute wonder save from Turkish goalkeeper Mert Gunok in injury time to take his side through.
A high-octane match that was a great advert for Euro 2024 and emphasise that the outsider teams can produce the most entertaining games. – July 3, 2024
Main pic credit: AFP/Getty Images
