A three-goal second half lifted the Netherlands to a 4-1 rout of France on Friday night for a place in the European Championship’s quarterfinals.

The Dutch romped past both 2006 World Cup finalists in Group C, beating Italy 3-0 before outclassing the French. Substitute Arjen Robben set up one goal and scored another. Robin van Persie, Dirk Kuyt and Wesley Sneijder also scored.

Also on Friday, Romania and Italy played to a 1-1 tie. Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon saved a late penalty kick by Adrian Mutu to preserve the tie.

That spectacular save, and several other stops by Buffon, held off the Romanians, who often carried play in the Group C game. Romania now has two points and Italy one, with one game remaining.

— From wire reports