UEFA Euro 2024 Pre-Quarter
July 2, 2024 - Indian Date
Fußball Arena München
MATCH TIMES
India
09:30 PM
UAE
08:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
7:00 PM
FULL TIME
Netherlands possible starting lineup: Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Reijnders, Schouten; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay
Romania possible starting lineup: Nita; Mogos, Dragusin, Burca, Ratiu; R. Marin, S. Marin, Stanciu; Hagi, Dragus, Coman
Match Preview
Romania and the Netherlands face off in the Euro 2024 last 16 at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Tuesday night, with the winner advancing to the quarter-finals to meet either Austria or Turkey.
Romania, led by Edward Iordanescu, topped Group E in a remarkably tight competition where all four teams—Romania, Ukraine, Belgium, and Slovakia—finished with identical records of one win, one draw, and one loss, each accumulating four points. Romania emerged victorious due to their superior goal tally, highlighted by a significant three-goal win over Ukraine and a crucial draw with Slovakia, where Razvan Marin scored his second tournament goal from the penalty spot.
This achievement marks Romania's first advancement to the knockout stages of a major tournament in 24 years, last reaching this stage at the European Championships in 2000. Historically, Romania has struggled in the knockout stages, having been eliminated in the first round of the 2008 and 2016 Euros and facing early exits in several World Cups.
Despite winning only one of their last seven matches, Romania will look to capitalize on the Netherlands' inconsistent form. Ronald Koeman's Dutch side finished third in Group D, narrowly advancing as one of the best third-placed teams. Their group-stage campaign included a comeback win over Poland, a scoreless draw with France marred by a controversial disallowed goal, and a 3-2 defeat to Austria.
The Netherlands will take heart from avoiding a tougher knockout section that includes heavyweights like Belgium, Spain, Germany, and Portugal. They also have a strong historical record against Romania, with just one defeat in their last 13 encounters, and they won their only previous major tournament clash in Euro 2008.
Romania will have to make an enforced defensive change, as left-back Nicusor Bancu is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. Vasile Mogos is the likely replacement, shifting Andrei Ratiu to the left. Meanwhile, Razvan Marin is fit and ready, giving Iordanescu multiple options for his attacking lineup, including Ianis Hagi, Dennis Man, Florinel Coman, and Valentin Mihaila competing for starting spots.
The Netherlands, on the other hand, are expected to make tactical adjustments. Joey Veerman, who was substituted early in their last group game, is likely to be replaced by Xavi Simons, pushing Tijjani Reijnders into a deeper midfield role alongside Jerdy Schouten, who is one booking away from suspension. Memphis Depay, having scored his first goal of the tournament, will lead the attack, aiming to close in on Robin van Persie's national record of 50 goals. Joshua Zirkzee, recovering from illness, is available again but is expected to start on the bench.
This match promises to be a fascinating clash, with Romania aiming to continue their surprise run and the Netherlands seeking to assert their traditional strength.