Romania have been one of the surprise stars of Euro 2024 and were awarded top spot in Group E with a draw against the Netherlands in the last 16 on Tuesday afternoon.
Beating Ukraine 3-0 in the opening game of the tournament, Romania's draw with Slovakia in their final group game ensured they leapfrogged Belgium at the top. With no stars in their line-up, Romania put together a remarkable display to reach the last 16 of the Euros for the first time since 2000.
Although they will be significant underdogs in their meeting with the Netherlands, defeating the Dutch is impossible. Ronald Koeman's side finished third in Group D behind France and Austria, failing to make it to the top flight. Despite boasting a talented squad, they struggled in both boxes at Euro 2024.
These two countries have met once in the previous European Championships, that meeting dates back to 2008. The Netherlands took a 2-0 lead in that event and would be happy to repeat that on Tuesday afternoon.
Here it is 90 min preview of Romania vs Netherlands in the round of 16 in Euro 2024.
Romania vs Netherlands H2H Record (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
In Romania |
In the Netherlands |
|---|---|
|
Slovakia 1-1 Romania – 26/06/24 |
Netherlands 2-3 Austria – 25/06/24 |
|
Belgium 2-0 Romania – 22/06/24 |
Netherlands 0-0 France – 21/06/24 |
|
Romania 3-0 Ukraine – 17/06/24 |
Poland 1-2 Netherlands – 16/06/24 |
|
Romania 0-0 Liechtenstein – 07/06/24 |
Netherlands 4-0 Iceland – 10/06/24 |
|
Romania 0-0 Bulgaria – 04/06/24 |
Netherlands 4-0 Canada – 06/06/24 |
|
The country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport Website |
|
United States |
fuboTV, Sling, ViX, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports App, foxsports.com |
|
Canada |
TSN1, TSN4, TVA Sports, TVA+ |
Romania are unlikely to deviate too much from the team that earned them a place in the knockout stages, although they will have to find a new left-back in the Last 16. Nicusor Bancu is suspended after picking up his second yellow card of the tournament. last time out. Defender Andrei Burca could fill his place on Tuesday.
In midfield and forward, there is little chance of changes. The likes of Razvan Marin, Denis Dragus and Nicolae Stanciu all found the net for Germany, while Dennis Man was the main provider on the right with two assists.
Romania predicted to face Netherlands (4-1-4-1): Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Rus, Barcu; M. Marin; Man, R. Marin, Stanciu, Coman; Dragus.
It took Koeman just 35 minutes to make the change against Austria last week. Swapping Joey Veerman for Xavi Simons, the Dutch looked sharper immediately and the youngster is likely to be brought back into the starting line-up against Romania.
Donyell Malen made an impressive start with his goal against Austria, while Lutsharel Geertruida scored three after replacing Denzel Dumfires. It may also start on Tuesday.
Fortunately, the Netherlands have no suspended players in the last 16.
Netherlands predicted to face Romania (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Reijnders, Schouten; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay.
The bookies will have the Netherlands as firm favorites for this one, but things may not go to plan. The Dutch look far from convincing in the final third and in their box, while pre-tournament injuries mean they are light in midfield.
Romania have proven to be the smartest opposition in the tournament so far, especially when they beat Ukraine 3-0. If they can switch quickly from defense to attack, they could disrupt a Dutch team that lacks a world-class midfielder.
There could be at least one shocker in the last 16 – England just missing out on Slovakia – so why aren't you here?
Prediction: Romania 2-1 Netherlands
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