New Delhi: Romania will face the 1988 Euro champion Netherlands in the final-16 match of the UEFA Euro 2024 Allianz Arena, Munich (Tuesday, July 2nd). The Edward Iordanescu-led team won the closely finished Group E, while Netherlands come to the game as the third-placed team of Group D.
Romania won their group thanks to a brilliant 3-0 win over Ukraine and a goal-tie with Slovakia, which saw their goal score tally higher than all the other teams in Group E. In the game against Slovakia, Razvan Marin scored his second goal of Euro 2024 to ensure Romania made their first appearance in the knockout stage of a major tournament after 24 years.
Since their knockout appearance in the European Championship of 2000, they have made group exits in both the 2008 and 2016 editions. In the last seven games, Romania have only won one game in all tournaments. Their only consolation is that their opponents, Netherlands, are yet to play to the standards they have set for themselves.
Wout Weghorst helped the Dutch side comeback against Poland after Xavi Simons was controversially disallowed a goal in their scoreless draw with France. Their final game against Austria saw them lose 3-2.
Ronald Koeman’s side fell behind Ralf Rangnick’s side twice, and both times, they scored back. However, Marcel Sabitzer’s 80th-minute strike ensured that Austria unexpectedly won Group D, demoting France to second place. Koeman’s side reached the final 16 as the top third-placed team.
The Dutch team, though, can take the positives of not qualifying in the same knockout section as Belgium, Spain, Germany, and Portugal in the knockout rounds. With Italy knocked out of the tournament, Oranje are the only team left for the eight-nation path who have won the European Championship.
Team News
Having collected two yellow cards, left-back Nicusor Bancu will face suspension for the upcoming match. Romanian boss Iordanescu will be forced to change his defence line. The 31-year-old is likely to be replaced by right-back either Vasile Mogos or Deian Sorescu, though the latter is more comfortable in an attacking role. Sorescu may be selected owing to his defensive mentality, which would mean shifting Andrei Ratiu out to the left.
Romania’s top scorer, Marin, has resumed training completely after being on the sidelines for a short time due to overload. This means Iordanescu will be caught in a conundrum, with Ianis Hagi, Dennis Man, Florinel Coman and Valentin Mihaila all rightful contenders for two spots on either side of Denis Dragus.
On the other hand, all Dutch players are likely to be available for selection for their elimination stage game. Still, there might be a tactical change in the midfield as Joey Veerman was called back 35 minutes into the final group loss to Austria.
The 25-year-old will likely drop out to make way for Simons, pushing Tijjani Reijnders to feature alongside Jerdy Schouten in a deeper role. Schouten will miss out on the quarter-finals if he is booked again in this game. Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee has resumed his training and missed the entire group stage due to a brief illness.
Having broken his Euros duck last time out, Memphis Depay will also likely feature in the attack after scoring his first goal in the Euro 2024. With 46 goals for his side, Depay now chases Robin van Persie’s record of 50.
Head to Head
Netherlands have won nine games and lost only once against Romania, and the two sides have played three draw games. Since losing to Romania in the 2007 European Championship qualifiers, the Dutch have won all four of their games against the side. Though Netherlands weren’t impressive during their group stage games, they are still a strong side with the potential to progress further in the knockout stage.
When, where and how to watch the Romania vs Netherlands match in India?
The Romania vs Netherlands UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 9:30 pm IST tonight.
Romania make their second appearance against one time champion Netherlands and will hope to perform better than their previous effort. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
