Netherlands vs Romania preview

Posted on | June 16, 2008 | 1 Comment

This one already has the conspiracy theorists working overtime. With the Dutch having qualified, and Romania needing a win to send France and Italy out, many say that the Dutch will field a weak team, and allow Romania to progress at the expense of the two 2006 World Cup finalists.

The Dutch displayed brilliant counter attacking football to send both France and Italy packing. They are currently on top of the group with six points, and have already avoided a possible clash with tournament favourites Spain in the last eight. Whatever be the result of this game, they will go through as Group C winners. Marco van Basten may not risk Nigel de Jong and Andre Ooijer as another yellow card will see the duo suspended. That means Demy de Zeeuw and Khalid Boulahrouz get a game. Arjen Robben may start for the first time in this tournament, and his battle with Cosmin Contra on the left flank will be interesting. Huntelaar should replace Van Nistelrooy, and Affellay and Van Persie should come in for Van der Vaart and Sneijder. Romania may actually be happy with Sneijder being rested- the Real Madrid midfielder was a key performer against both France and Italy.

Romania could have sent world champions Italy out of the tournament, but Adrian Mutu had his penalty saved by Gigi Buffon. Still, two points from two games is not a bad feat for a side that were expected to fill the numbers in Group C. Victor Piturca’s side seem a compact defensive unit-we saw that from the way they played against France and Italy. Mirel Radoi is out of this game after a collision with Razvan Rat ruled him out of the tournament. Dorin Goian is suspended. We could see the versatile Christian Chivu slot into central defence, with Nicolae Dica and Banel Nicolita coming into midfield. Ciprian Marica has fully recovered from his injuries, and we could see the Stuttgart striker start.

Romania topped Group G in qualification ahead of the Netherlands, and picked up four points against the Dutch. Romania have nothing to lose, and all to gain. While Romania have won just once against the Dutch in ten meetings, one must remember that the win came in October 2007. Romania to shade this by a one goal margin . Adrian Mutu, Chivu and Huntelaar possible scorers.

Related posts:

1. Italy vs Romania preview
2. France vs Romania preview
3. France vs Netherlands preview
4. France vs Italy preview
5. Netherlands vs Russia preview

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