90min
·6 July 2024
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Yahoo sports90min
·6 July 2024
The Netherlands looked a different animal when they faced Romania in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
Bar a shaky opening 15 minutes, the Dutch were completely dominant in Munich, with Cody Gakpo popping up with the opener and Donyell Malen adding some gloss to the scoreline with his late brace. It was the perfect warm-up for their quarter-final tie with Turkey this Saturday.
The Netherlands have been far from flawless in Germany so far but have continually shown glimpses of their quality. A fantastic attacking display last time out will give them renewed belief of a first European Championship crown since 1988.
Ronald Koeman is unlikely to make many changes from the side that breezed past Romania, although there may be one alteration in the forward line.
Here is how the Netherlands could line up against Romania in the last 16.
Xavi Simons offered his best performance against Romania / Dean Mouhtaropoulos/GettyImages
GK: Bart Verbruggen - The Brighton goalkeeper earned his first clean sheet of Euro 2024 last time out, even if he wasn't tested too frequently. He has been a little hesitant at times this tournament but retains the faith of Koeman.
RB: Denzel Dumfries - The Netherlands looked much more solid against Romania as Dumfries came back into the team. He also offers the Dutch an attacking threat on the overlap, with Nathan Ake a more defensive-minded option on the other flank.
CB: Stefan de Vrij - While De Vrij hasn't been as sharp as his fellow defenders in Germany, he has been solid enough for the Dutch. If Arda Guler plays as a false nine as he did against Austria in the last 16, the Inter centre-back may be offered a unique challenge.
CB: Virgil van Dijk - The skipper leads the Dutch squad for blocks, clearances and accurate long balls per 90, and has made some crucial interventions in the backline. While yet to score at Euro 2024 - as he did twice for the Oranje in pre-tournament friendlies - he did strike the post against Romania.
LB: Nathan Ake - The Manchester City defender has been rock solid at left-back having played the position regularly at club level. His anticipation and aggression in the tackle will be essential for the Netherlands moving forward.
CM: Tijjani Reijnders - Following a strong season with Milan, Reijnders has been one of those to have benefitted from pre-tournament injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Teun Koopmeiners. Playing in a box-to-box role against Romania, he made some impressive runs into the final third.
CM: Jerdy Schouten - The PSV Eindhoven midfielder is enjoying his first major tournament. He will earn just his tenth cap for the Oranje on Saturday and has been a key destroyer in the centre of the park given injuries elsewhere.
RW: Donyell Malen - After two goals against Romania, Malen has made that right wing spot his own. In particular, his stoppage-time second showcased just how lethal he can be in full flight with the ball at his feet. His battle with the attack-minded Ferdi Kadioglu will be exciting to watch.
AM: Xavi Simons - Simons didn't look overly impressive on the right flank in the group stage but was superb playing in a number ten role in the last 16. He provided two assists and operated with characteristic grace.
LW: Cody Gakpo - The Liverpool star took his Euro 2024 tally up to three goals with a fierce near-post effort against Romania. He looks a completely different player with the national team and has led by example up top.
ST: Memphis Depay - Depay has proven a threat throughout the tournament, even if he's lacked a cutting edge at times. He's guaranteed to start on Saturday, with Wout Weghorst waiting in the wings.
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