The Dutch beat Romania 2-0 at Bern's Stade de Suisse Wankdorf to send Victor Piturca's team out of the competition and allow Italy to join them in the quarter-finals.

"We played a good game. We started not really fresh, not really good - maybe because the pitch was a little bit wet," said Van Basten.

"After a difficult 20-25 minutes, we came into the game, played better and better and created a lot of chances."

Second-half strikes from Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie earned Holland their third win of the tournament.

"It was a pity it was 0-0 at half-time," Van Basten said. "We didn't change too much, just made two substitutions with the quarter-finals in our head.

"We got better and better and finally made it 1-0 and we completely controlled the game. We could have made it 3-0.

"We have got to be very proud and happy that we have won three games.

"In the beginning it was the 'Group of Death', so nine points and nine goals... we can be very happy about that."

Van Basten's side next head to Basle's St Jakob-Park for a last-eight clash with either Russia or Sweden on Saturday.

With emphatic victories over Italy and France already under their belts, Holland's place in the quarter-finals and top spot in Group C were already assured.

Defeat for the Dutch would have seen Romania go through and both 2006 World Cup finalists Italy and France dumped out, but even a much-changed Holland line-up were a class above their opponents.

Van Basten's decision to make nine alterations to his starting line-up from the team which hammered France 4-1 last time out may have offered Romania hope, but the incoming players were just as impressive.

Romania coach Piturca was left to reflect on what might have been after his side's elimination.

Overall, though, he was pleased with how his team acquitted themselves, in particular holding both France and Italy to creditable draws.

"It was a very good campaign, we played very well," said Piturca.

"Playing in such a group with such fantastic teams and not losing our first two matches against the World Cup finalists is a real achievement for our team.

"We could have done better. If we had scored a penalty against Italy we would have qualified.

"Our great adventure is now over. It's a pity we couldn't capitalise on our great two first matches."

The 52-year-old admitted his men had been beaten by a superior side on Tuesday night.

"The Dutch team were better and more fresh than us," he said.

"Also, I think the half-time score in Zurich (1-0 to Italy) maybe had an influence on the players."

Piturca denied suggestions his players had been too relaxed, expecting the much-changed Holland line-up to not be fully focused having already qualified.

"I would never think any Romania player would think the Dutch would not want to win," he said.

"Maybe their substitutes are better than the regular players! It was a serious match and players were not more relaxed than before."