Ronald Koeman urges players not to drop their levels after Dutch reach Euro 2024 quarter-finals

MUNICH – Netherlands need to maintain the performance level they showed in a 3-0 win over Romania in the last 16 at Euro 2024 on July 2 if they are to claim the title, said coach Ronald Koeman, who added that their yo-yo form was hard to explain.

Goals from Cody Gakpo and substitute Donyell Malen, who scored twice, sealed a dominant victory for the Dutch, who could have added more goals at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

It was a far cry from the dismal display in their last fixture, a 3-2 defeat by Austria in their final group match on June 25. After that match, captain Virgil van Dijk slammed his team, saying they were missing the “will to win”.

“It is sometimes difficult to say why you play bad in one game and then can reach a high level the next match,” Koeman said.

“We were sharp from the beginning today and that made the difference. Maybe one critical point is that it took too long to score the second goal.”

However, right-back Denzel Dumfries said his side were “not nervous” despite failing to break through with a number of chances.

“No, we were not nervous. We know our quality, we know we can score. I’m proud how focused we stayed right until the last minute,” he said.

Koeman, whose men face Turkey in the quarter-finals on July 6, believes their attack from both wings and the excellent display in the midfield by Xavi Simons were key to victory.

If they are to reach the final in Berlin on July 14, they cannot let their performance level drop again.

“The result is always the most important thing, but we are Dutch and, in Holland, we have to play well and offensively. We know that,” Koeman said of fans’ expectations of the team.

“The whole performance today was outstanding and that is what we need to do to continue in this tournament. This is the level. If we go down from this, we won’t reach the final.”

Gakpo, who now has three goals and an assist at the Euro, told Germany’s ARD network: “We showed a good reaction from the last match and I’m very pleased. We took a step in the right direction today.

“It’s all about aggression and intensity and defending like a team and I think it was a good step and an important one.”

With a quarter-final on the horizon, Malen said his team would celebrate to wash away the disappointment of the group stage.

“In the dressing room, there’s a bit of music, maybe we’ll have a drink. You have to think about it from both sides, when you lose you feel bad, so it’s nice to win,” he said.

Koeman was in the Dutch side the only time they lifted the European Championship trophy which was in West Germany in 1988. He said it was difficult to compare teams from different eras as the game had changed.

“We have great talent in this team but, of course, you need to win something, then people can start to compare with 1988,” he added.

“But it is more difficult now, football has changed, it is more physical, you need to be fast and technically good. England, Portugal, everybody has their own problems to continue in this tournament.”

Koeman will sweat over injuries to midfielder Jerdy Schouten and forward Steven Bergwijn, both of whom were substituted against Romania after complaining of niggles.

Meanwhile, Romania coach Edward Iordanescu said he hoped his side’s run at Euro 2024, where they topped Group E before falling short at the last 16, could be a “new beginning” for them.

“Of course, there’s some sadness. We wanted more, but we did give our all,” said Iordanescu.

“They gave everything they have, the effort was total. They were serious and united. These are lessons we can use. This cohesion between Romanians and the national team could be a new beginning.”

Iordanescu, whose father Anghel was also a player and coach for Romania before serving in the country’s senate, began his coaching career at Steaua Bucharest in 2010.

“Romania can do fantastic things. We have talent and potential. We have to plan, develop, grow, the new generations, the children, they have to take inspiration from these lads and see them as role models,” he added.

Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi, whose son Ianis is a key member of the emerging group of young players and started on the left wing against the Dutch, sees a strong future for the side.

“Congratulations to the players, coaches, supporters, staff. They made Romania known again and, from here, a process of growth begins. They should be proud. We need to have more confidence and more personality,” he said.

“Several players showed very good things (at the Euro). We have to want more. I am proud of the entire Romanian team.” REUTERS, AFP