The Netherlands are determined to rebound from a modest Euro 2024 group stage when they take on Romania in the last 16 on Tuesday in the city where they celebrated their biggest success in international football.
The Dutch won Euro 1988 in then West Germany by beating the Soviet Union 2-0 in the final in Munich's Olympic Stadium, with the help of Marco van Basten's wonder goal.
The class of 2024 is far from that form after a group stage in which they laboured to a 2-1 victory over Poland, drew 0-0 with France and lost 3-2 against Austria.
Coach Ronald Koeman, who was part of the 1988 team, and forward Cody Gakpo said on Monday there has been a lot of soul searching in the camp and that they will aim to do better in the Munich Arena.
"We had to take a hard look at ourselves after all the criticism. I think that was a positive process. But you can only prove it when you play a game," Koeman said.
"There were enough reasons for this hard analysis. We must see the confirmation on the pitch tomorrow."
Liverpool's Gakpo admitted that "we know the whole country was a bit disappointed" after the Austria match and that the team now wants "to show a reaction and show how good we really are.
"We know that we have to improve. It is behind us and now a new tournament starts," Gakpo said.
The Dutch have history on their side with 10 victories and just one defeat from 15 matches against Romania, but Koeman is taking nothing for granted.
"I expect they will be really aggressive. They are physically strong in defence and dangerous from corners and free-kicks," he said.
Koeman said he was looking forward to being back in Munich as he recalled the 1988 triumph.
"It was a fantastic time and I am happy that we won this tournament," he said.
