Netherlands vs Romania Match preview

EURO 2008 Group C: Netherlands vs Romania

Orange colour is in, the Dutch have swarmed Swiss streets and according to the estimates there are about 100 000 of them in search for the tickets for the second stage; their team were dominant in group C and already after two rounds qualified for the quarterfinals. Russia or Sweden will await them, though whoever their rivals may be in the second round Oranje will be the favourites. After impressive wins over Italy and France, Van Basten’s squad’s rates have grown high, now they are seen as possible main favourites for the crown. After not so convincing qualifiers this squad simply exploded in the final tournament. Romania found themselves in a situation where they hold destiny in their own hands and they weren’t' given much chances before the competition started. They played tough against Italy and France; they were close to victory against Azzurri since their bets player Mutu missed the golden opportunity from the white spot. With two points they are ahead of France and Italy and a point could lead them to the quarterfinals if the duel between Azzurri and Les Blues ends without winners. The safest choice would be if Romania won Netherlands and this way ruled out two big teams. This would certainly be a sensation but judging by what we saw in the first two matches it would be a fair outcome. The teams know each other very well – they were in the same qualifications group. Interestingly, Romania had more success, won Oranje in Bucharest while the duel in Rotterdam ended scoreless.

Van Basten is under great pressure from Italy

Italy are true experts when it comes to pressure and we can understand how Dutch coach must feel, since his most successful part of the career was in Milan. These days all the media at the Apennines are announcing that Van Basten was seen at rossoneri bench in few years when Carlo Ancelotti does his work. Also former Van Basten’s team mates send him messages that he should stay true to his reputation. Italy boss, Donadoni played with Van Basten in great Milan by the end of the 80s and by the beginning of the 90s and he has already said that Van Basten is a guarantee that Netherlands will play fair without calculating and won’t relent to Romania. All of this creates pressure, but everyone in Netherlands squad keep on repeating that they play to win in each match and they are not interested in calculations of others. We should understand Italy; in the last European championship a doubtful draw between Sweden and Denmark eliminated them. But Azzurri, themselves as well as France are to blame for being in the situation where they depend on others. Van Basten said that he will field the best possible line-up but that doesn’t mean the standard one. He will probably combine the line-up and try to spare key players and prevent suspensions before the second round. On Tuesday, the match day, you can see the latest info about the line-up but we have no doubts that at least five or six starters will be left on the bench.

Mutu apologized to the nation for missing the penalty

Gigi Buffon is a nightmare for Adrian Mutu. Seven years ago in the duel against Italy he also delivered a penalty kick and Buffon (not an expert for penalties, although he is World's bets keeper) saved the white spot kick. If Romania had won Italy, everything would be over, this way they are in for very uncertain 90 minutes. They must play to win and although the fact that the Dutch don’t need points is encouraging, Piturca is aware that it is not going to be easy. He has problems with his line-up. Few central defenders will be absent, Goian and Radoi. This will cause some rotations in the squad so it is clear why Romania boss fears the rivals' attack. With seven goals in two matches Netherlands have shown that they can outplay any defense. Van Basten won’t change his formation but it is not the same squad without Kyut or Sneider nor does the mentioned formation have the same effect. Romania are calmly preparing for the match, although they know that this is the chance of the generation. They will have to play more openly, Marica is back in the team and there is also the possibility that Piturca could opt for a two-forward formation. Clearly, Romania will have to score first since when Netherlands have the lead their counterattacks are lethal. The French and Italians know that best.

Tradition

TOTAL OF 10 GAMES – 6 Netherlands wins, 3 draws, 1 Romania win

6 GAMES IN NETHERLANDS –4 Netherlands wins, 2 draws

3 GAMES IN ROMANIA – 1 Romania win, 1 draw, 1 Netherlands win

NEUTRAL GROUND – 1 Netherlands win

Betting Verdict

Odds on Romania are the reflection of bookies’ assumption that Netherlands don’t need points and that they will play with half of their potential. It is hard to tell now what kind of approach will Oranje have in this match but there is no need to risk with 2.20 odds. Much depends on Van Basten, that is to say his approach. He certainly won’t field the strongest line-up but Romanians won’t easily handle even the combined Dutch squad, especially because they must attack them now. We think that neither of sides have reasons for calculating, as Robben said, Netherlands will play for their fans and we should expect an open game. Personally we don’t think that Romania can win but we are not ready to bet on that. Try betting on over 2.5 goals with 2.00 odds at Expekt since we believe that both sides will score. If an early goal is scored in the second group C match than Romania will have to risk even more. As for the other bets, Netherlands to win with +0.25 handicap at Bet365 seems tempting.

Team news : Beside keeper and likes of Sneider and Engelaar, Van Basten will rest complete first team. Goian is suspended and Radoi is injured for Romania. Here are probable line ups

Romania ( 4 - 2 - 3 - 1)

Lobont
Contra, Tamas, Ghioneia, Rat
Codrea, Chivu
Nikolita, Kocis, Mutu
Niculae

Netherlands ( 4 - 2 - 3 - 1)

Van der Sar
Melchiot, Heitinga, Bouma, De Cler
Engelaar, De Zeeuw
Van Persie, Sneider, Afellay
Huntelaar

Our tip: Bet 6 on Over 2.5 goals
Odds 2 at
Bookmaker: Expekt