Euro 2008: Netherlands 2-0 Romania (Full Match Report and Video)

June 18th, 2008 at 03:08am ibrahimo

After the Netherlands were already going through, a draw would have guaranteed them first place, and there were rumors that they might let Romania win intentionally so that France and Italy were both out for the knock out stages. Romania had been playing well, after drawing with both World Cup finalists they needed either a draw in this game and the France v Italy game, or to beat the Netherlands to go through.

Neither team started particularly well, the Dutch team that had nine (yes nine!) changes looked very nervous, which was surprising due to them already being through. The closest the first half came to producing a Romanian goal was a couple of self made opportunities by former Chelsea star Adrian Mutu, where as Holland’s best opportunity fell to Arjen Robben who looked hasty and poked the ball past the post.

The second half is when a much needed goal came, and it went for the Dutch. A low cross from Afellay was calmly converted by star striker Huntelaar, and the Romanians were punished for not taking the game to Holland.

The next goal came very late in the second half, and once again fell for the Dutch. Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie skilled out the Romanian defender, leaving him literally in tangles on the floor, before smashing the ball in to the near top corner to ensure the Netherlands one hundred per cent win rate was kept intact.

Overall, not a brilliant game, with the Romanians being too conservative when they really should have pushed on the Dutch defense. Tonight’s results mean that the Netherlands top the group with nine points, the Italians come second with four points, Romania come third with two points, and France lose the group with just one point.

Final Score:
Netherlands 2 – 0 Romania

Watch both GOALS:

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Entry Filed under: Euro 2008

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