New Delhi: When Romania meet the Netherlands, the two sides will face each other after experiencing opposite journeys to the knockouts. Romania were least likely to top the Group E draw, while no one expected the Netherlands to enter the knockout stage through a third-place team scenario.
Romania opened their UEFA Euro campaign with a 3-0 win over Ukraine. The win was followed by a 0-2 loss to Belgium. In order to qualify, they needed a win over Slovakia, which ended with a 1-1 draw. At the end of the group stage, all four teams ended with four points. Thanks to their superior goal-scoring tally, they qualified at the top of their Group’s points table.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, haven’t performed up to their level. After a 2-1 win over Poland, they failed to open the score tally with France in a goalless draw. Despite falling behind Austria’s goal score twice and catching up, the Dutch side lost 3-2 in their final group game. This wasn’t the ideal group stage campaign for a former Euro champion side.
Can Razvan Marin shine again?
FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – JUNE 26: Razvan Marin of Romania during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Slovakia and Romania at Frankfurt Arena on June 26, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.(Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Razvan Marin pushed Romania into the knockout stage of Euro 2024. In their opening game, after captain Nicolae Stanciu opened the tally against Ukraine, Razvan doubled the effort with a goal in the 53rd minute. In their final group game, Romania desperately needed to win points to confirm their place in the knockout stage. The 28-year-old didn’t disappoint and converted a 37th-minute penalty for Romania to earn them a draw with Slovakia. This ensured they were one of the six group winners of the tournament.
This will be Romania’s second appearance in the knockout stage of the Euros. Marin will be expected to deliver as the team’s leading goal scorer in Euro 2024. After a brief period on the sidelines, Marin resumed his training and could be the difference Romania need to progress further in the tournament.
Can Depay inch closer to record?
BERLIN, GERMANY – JUNE 25: Memphis Depay of Netherlands looks on during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Netherlands and Austria at Olympiastadion on June 25, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
After an underwhelming performance, Memphis Depay finally found the net in Netherlands’ loss over Austria. Overall, he fired nine shots, the sixth-highest of any player in the group stage. Depay scored twice in the 2020 Euros for Netherlands, with Georginio Wijnaldum the only player ahead of him with three goals. He is currently also the second-highest goal-scorer with 46 international goals in 95 appearances. Only Robin van Persie, with 50 goals, has scored more goals for Netherlands.
In a game in which they are without the services of left-back Nicusor Bancu, who is facing a one-match suspension, a lot will depend on Depay for the Netherlands to emerge as the favourites. From the Dutch point of view, an already weak defense will need special support from the attacking department.
Romania’s counter-attack
MUNICH, GERMANY – JUNE 17: Denis Dragus of Romania celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Romania and Ukraine at Munich Football Arena on June 17, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Despite being 40 spots behind seventh-placed Netherlands in the Fifa rankings, Romania have done the unexpected by reaching this far in the tournament. They have won only two games from their six appearances, and against the Dutch, they have won only once from their 14 meetings.
The Dutch defence was under scrutiny after conceding three goals, which is an ideal for Romania’s quick counterattack. Most of their goals in this tournament have been counterattacks. Coach Edward Iordanescu’s discipline in the defense area is the key to his on-field approach. He has worked hard off-field with his players and created a positive team spirit.
Euro 2024: As Romania prepare to face Netherlands, will their counter-attack trump over Netherlands weak defense? Here are the key talking points ahead of the match. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
