Romania vs. Netherlands

Introduction

Group E Winner Romania will clash with the Netherlands on Tuesday in Munich to book a slot in the Euro 2024 quarter-final. Romania made it through from group E ahead of Belgium on goal difference. Meanwhile, the Netherlands struggled to be among the last 16 after qualifying through the best third-placed team route. Can the Romanians upset the boys in orange? Let’s preview this intriguing contest.

About the game

Romania’s Performance

Romania has reached the knockout stage of a major tournament for the first time since Euro 2000, when Italy eliminated them in the quarter-finals. Historically, they’ve only won one knockout tie, defeating Argentina 3-2 in the 1994 World Cup. Despite a strong start with a 3-0 win over Ukraine, Romania’s journey hasn’t been easy. They suffered h a 2-0 loss to Belgium and drew 1-1 against Slovakia. Despite those results, they topped their group, making history as the first Euros group where all four teams finished with four points.

Netherlands’ Performance

The Netherlands faced a challenging group stage. In their first group game, they came from behind to beat Poland 2-1. They drew 0-0 with France and lost 3-2 to Austria. They led for 12 minutes across all matches, the shortest of any team that qualified for the round of 16. The Netherlands have lost their last three knockout-stage matches at their previous three UEFA European Championships. If they fail here, they risk becoming the second team to lose four consecutive knockout games in the tournament’s history.

Head-to-Head History

This match marks the second major tournament clash between Romania and the Netherlands. They previously met at Euro 2008, with the Dutch winning 2-0. Romania has only one win in 14 encounters against the Netherlands (D3 L10) and has lost the last four.

Key Players to Watch

Razvan Marin has netted two of Romania’s four goals, including a decisive penalty against Slovakia. Only Florin Raducioiu (four) and Gheorghe Hagi (three), both at the 1994 World Cup, have scored more goals in a single major tournament for Romania.

Cody Gakpo has stood out for Ronald Koeman’s team, netting two of the Netherlands’ four group-stage goals. By scoring three or more goals in a single tournament, he could join the ranks of Dutch legends like Marco van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp. Memphis Depay also shone against Austria, leading the line and applying 108 pressures in the final third.

Possible Team Lineups and Changes

Romania’s coach, Iordanescu, must replace left-back Nicusor Bancu, who is suspended due to yellow cards received during the group stage. Right-back Vasile Mogos and Deian Sorescu are the leading contenders. Razvan Marin has resumed full training, and Iordanescu faces a positive selection dilemma, with Ianis Hagi, Dennis Man, Florinel Coman, and Valentin Mihaila competing for two attacking positions.

All Dutch players are available for the match in Munich, but a tactical midfield change is likely after Joey Veerman was substituted early in the last group game. Veerman will likely be replaced by returning star Xavi Simons, pushing Tijjani Reijnders into a deeper role with Jerdy Schouten. Joshua Zirkzee is back in training, but Memphis Depay’s spot in attack is secure after a brilliant display on matchday 3.

Romania vs. Netherlands Betting Odds and Predictions

On paper this should be an easy call for Netherlands, with all due respect to Romania. The Oranje boys under the leadership of Koeman have shown they can be a handful, and I think Romania will have their works cut for them in this game. 

The Best Betting Odds

Conclusion

Romania’s loss to Belgium exposes their vulnerability against top teams, suggesting the Dutch might have the upper hand. While the Netherlands have yet to hit their stride, Koeman’s dynamic attackers are expected to secure a win, setting up a quarter-final clash with Turkey or Austria.