MUNICH: Following is reaction from the Netherlands’ 3-0 win over Romania on Tuesday in their Euro 2024 last-16 match.
Netherlands goalscorer Cody Gakpo: “This was the answer we had to our last performance – good game, good goals, we played good football. Of course we could do better, but a good showing after the last game. A good step in that next direction. We felt we were in control even though they were a dangerous opponent.”
(Of his goal). “Great to break the tension like that. We never had the feeling that we would lose control of the game.”
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman: “I thought there were a lot of good things we did. The team realised that the last game was really bad in all aspects and so they have given out a strong message. We played well in the whole game, except the first 10 minutes when there was a lot of pressure.
“We had analysed Romania well. Belgium showed us there was a lot of space to exploit (against Romania). But it took a long time before we got the second goal. But I wasn’t scared they’d equalise because we defended so well. I though Xavi Simons was our best player too, he drove the team forward and was nice and aggressive.”
Romania defender Andrei Burca: “I think we started well, we played well the first 15 to 20 minutes, then their first goal came and it destabilised us to some extent.
“We are disappointed, we wanted a lot from this match.
“This championship must be a starting point, so that we don’t participate in final championships only every eight years. It is a sad evening for us. We want to thank our fans first of all, they were incredible.”
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk: “Very proud, sure, and pleased as well. We were defensively sound and solid and did not give up much. We could have scored a lot more.
“After a turbulent week, where a lot was said, we had to show something and we did that. We are self-critical and we knew it had to be a lot better after the last game and everyone had to take responsibility and today they showed they wanted to.
“Everyone went for the duels, won the second ball and made the chances. Playing good football gives us self-confidence.”
Romania forward Denis Dragus: “Unfortunately we stop here but I think we gave it all and we are glad that we managed to make people happy. We are sorry that we couldn’t do more. The details make the difference at this level. After the first goal, things changed.”
Gheorghe Hagi, father of Romania’s attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi: “We’ve seen the Netherlands was a very good team both individually and collectively, very well prepared. They controlled … the match. We have done what we could but it is a process. From here a growth process must start.”
