Netherlands Vs Romania Highlights Euro 2008:

Stage: Group C
Venue: Stade de Suisse Wankdorf
Date: June 17, 2008
Kick-Off Time: 19.45 (UK Time)


Netherlands Probable Starting Lineup:

Coach: Marce Van Basten
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Edwin van Der Sar
Defence: Boulahrouz, Mathijsen, Heitinga, Giovanni van Bronckhorst
Midfield: Sneijder, Demy de Zeeuw, Rafael van Der Vaart, Engelaar
Forwards: Dirk Kuyt, Ruud van Nistelrooy

Romania Probable Starting Lineup:

Coach: Victor Piturca
Formation: 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Bogdon Lobont
Defence: Cosmin Contra, Stefan Radu, Cristian Chivu, Gabriel Tamas
Midfield: Petre, Cocis, Paul Codred, Banel Nicolita
Forwards: Ciprian Marica, Adrian Mutu


Netherland vs Romania Highlights video Euro 2008

Despite making no fewer than nine changes to their side, the Dutch maintained their 100% record with an easy win over a Romanian side that simply was not up to it on such a crucial night. The Tricolorii go home, while the Dutch prepare to meet Russia or Sweden

The World Champions of Italy might have so nearly been humbled, and France may also have left with their tails between their legs, but the fairytale of Romania's advancement through the 'Group of Death' concluded before the final chapter was written.

For it was the jubilant Dutch that left with all three points in Bern, Marco van Basten's all-changed line-up doing more than enough to sink their opponents on what was a largely uninspiring occasion.

First Half

Very little occurred to excite the largely Dutch crowd in the stadium in the opening stages. The Netherlands, perhaps finding their feet with an unfamiliar line-up, were content to work through slow buildup. Romania, meanwhile, offered little.

Bit after the quarter hour mark the Tricolorii began to apply a little bit of pressure with their possession, mainly through Adrian Mutu. The striker, though, was to endure a luckless evening from a wide position behind Marius Niculae, hit his first real chance off Wilfred Bouma 20 minutes in.

At the other end, the Holland side sprung into life. First Afellay cut the ball back wonderfully into the box only for Chivu to clear at full stretch as the danger mounted.

The game took on something of an end-to-end quality for a while after that, but neither side looked particularly coherent. The Dutch, though, marginally had the better of it, not least after Huntelaar flicked the ball on to an unmarked Robben 35 minutes in only for the Real Madrid man to drag his shot just wide when he shohld have scored.

Codrea passed up a similarly positive opportunity at the other end, albeit from longer range, as half time approached, and although the Romanians had made them sweat on occasion the Dutch seemed to be on top.

Second Half

Still, the Romanians had everything to play for in the second period and came out with all due enthusiasm. After some pressure in the final third, though, a wasted free-kick was all that the Tricolorii had to show for their efforts.

The Oranje, then, took the initiative once more. Van Persie, getting on the end of a lovely long ball, was let down by a weak shot on the turn, but soon enough it was to be 1-0 to the Oranje.

It was a well-worked team effort, and it came on the break. Romania surrendered the ball, and the Dutch brought it down the right. Afellay crossed it in low, and with Engelaar stepping over it, there was Klaas-Jan Huntelaar to decisively side-foot it into the back of the net.

Romania had to do something, and Daniel Niculae came on for namesake Marius to reply to Melchiot's coming on for Boulahrouz. The Dutch, not to be outdone, then raised the stakes by replacing Robben with Kuyt.

Kuyt was to see plenty of the ball over the next ten minutes, although there were to be relatively few chances. Afellay had the best of it 20 minutes from time after being put through by Van Persie, but a sliding challenge from Tamas did for that.

Romania, despite still having it all to play for, were exhausted and presumably demoralised by news of Italy's 2-0 lead, and it showed as the jubilant Dutch finished strongly. Indeed, they were to find a second goal: atoning for his earlier miss, Robin Van Persie getting on the end of a cross from the right before beating Lobont with a wonderful effort into the roof of the net.

The Tricolorii heads, then, were well and truly down, and the Dutch held theirs high as they take their 100% record to the next round to meet Sweden or Russia. Romania, who started so well and shocked the world champions and France, leave empty-handed.

ROMANIA

Labont 9 – A series of stunning saves to deny the Italians. The stops from Toni and De Rossi headers were world class.

Contra 6.5 – Sound down the right flank, even if he was left exposed in the first half to Grosso’s forward thrusts.

Tamas 8 – Outstanding. A rock in defence. Also good in possession, and went close with a long range free kick.

Goian 7 – Continued his solid partnership with Tamas, as the pair impressed for the second game running.

Rat 6.5 – Did really well going forward, but was caused a few problems defensively by Camoranesi in the first half.

Petre 4.5 – Very poor. Torn apart by Grosso, and also missed a fine chance at 1-1 to put his side back ahead.

Chivu 7 – A class act once again in the middle of the park. Took control in the second half after Perrotta went off the field. Hit post with a deflected free kick.

Radoi 6 – Made a steady start to the game until he was substituted after just 20 minutes due to a facial injury.

Codrea 6 – Lots of quantity in midfield but not too much quality. Made one goal saving tackle on Perrotta.

Mutu 7.5 – A quiet first half, but outstanding after the break. Put Romania ahead, created a one-on-one chance for Petre, but unfortunately missed a penalty. However it wasn’t really a miss, it was a wonder-save from Buffon.

Niculae 6 – Busy and industrious throughout although he maybe should have been more involved.

Subs

Dica 6.5 - Replaced Radoi early on, and largely did well. Inventive, intricate and tricky in possession.

Nicolita 6 - Did much better than the player he replaced, and contributed to Romania's sound final third to the game.

Cocis N/A - Brought on to run down the clock.


ITALY

Buffon 9 – His penalty save was worth this rating alone, a stop that will go down as one of the great saves in European Championships history.

Zambrotta 5 – Shocking mistake for Mutu’s goal, and struggled at times to get the better of Rat.

Panucci 7.5 – Excellent at the back. Organised the defence, and scored Italy’s equaliser. Conceded the penalty, but it was a very poor decision by the referee, and that is being kind and diplomatic.

Chiellini 6.5 – Won everything in the air, and formed a decent partnership with Panucci. Created his partner’s goal with header towards the far post.

Grosso 8 – Outstanding again, particularly in the first half when he bombarded forward at will, and whipped in some great crosses.

De Rossi 6 – Slightly disappointing, but still much better than the players he replaced Ambrosini and Gattuso. Would have scored with a header if it wasn’t for a magnificent Lobont save.

Pirlo 6.5 – Kept Italy ticking in the middle of the park, but did not find any killer passes. His set-pieces were generally poor.

Perrotta 6.5 – Nothing eye-catching but he was crucial to Italy’s balance, which was the key to Italy’s fine first half. Donadoni blundered again by taking him off, thus completely unbalancing the side.

Camoranesi 7.5 – Italy’s best final-third player, he was involved in everything in the first half. Tired after the break.

Del Piero 5 – A massive disappointment. Missed an excellent early chance, and then never made an impact, leading to his eventual substitution.

Toni 7 – All that was missing from his performance was a goal, and in truth he did find the back of the net but was denied by a simply shocking decision from the linesman. Could have had a hat-trick today. Unlucky.

Subs

Cassano 7 – A bright spark after coming on, but Donadoni replaced him for the wrong player, meaning he was playing in an unbalanced team. Once again Donadoni got it all wrong.

Quagliarella 6 – Did not get enough touched to make an impact in the game.

Ambrosini N/A – Only played a few minutes at the end.

Italy VS Romania Group C match - Friday 13 th June 2008

The world champion Italy shared heir points with Romania as they had a draw of 1-1 with Romania.After a goalless first half two goals game in an interval of just 1 minute in second half. Adrian Mutu scored for Romania in the 55 th minute but Cristian Panucci returned the goal in 56 th minute. Also the goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon saved a penalty from Mutu in 81 st minute.


Main moments of the match

1st goal in 55 th minute : ITALY 0 ROMANIA 1 - Mutu pounces on Zambrotta's weak header to slot the ball home.

2nd goal in 56 th minute : ITALY 1 ROMANIA 1 - Panucci scrambles the ball home after Giorgio Chiellini heads the ball across the goal.

Penalty save in 81 minute : Buffon brilliantly saves a Mutu penalty, awarded after Daniel Niculae went down under a challenge by Panucci.

Video Highlights of Italy Vs Romania in Euro 2008


1-1 Italy vs. Romania Highlights - MyVideo

ROMANIA

Labont: 7.0 - Was out smartly to deny Malouda in the first half but will be surprised at how little he had to do.

Contra: 7.0 - Marshalled Malouda fairly well and ensured he couldn’t get in behind and deliver crosses.

Rat: 7.0 - Sound defensively and tried his utmost to get forward whenever possible. Handled Ribery well enough.

Goian: 7.5 – A solid partnership with Tamas which marshalled Anelka and Benzema well and restricted them only to shots from the edge of the area.

Tamas: 7.5 – The centre back who plays his club football in France, did well and ensured the French attack endured a frustrating evening.

Chivu: 7.5 – The captain has a little bit of class which shows in his distribution. Tidied up well when needed to and a good all around performance.

Radoi: 7.0 – A solid, well disciplined, midfield performance.

Cocis: 6.0 – Steady, made the Romanians difficult to break down before being subbed after an hour.

Niculae: 7.0 - Another player who plays his football in France. Struggled at times on his own up front, but did just about enough.

Mutu: 7.0 - Looked dangerous and certainly gave Thuram and Gallas something to think about.

Nicolita: 6.5 – Busy and industrious throughout although he maybe should have been more involved.

Substitutions:

Codrea: 6.5 - Replaced Cocis with half an hour to go and kept things tight in midfield.

Niculae: n/a

Dica: n/a


FRANCE

Coupet: 7.0 - A virtual spectator for the majority of the game. Expect him to be busier against Italy and Holland.

Sagnol: 6.5 - Looked rusty, as well he might having missed part of the season through injury. His crossing and distribution were poor at times but he got forward well enough.

Abidal: 6.0 - Surprisingly picked ahead of Patrice Evra and he doesn’t offer the same threat going forward as the Manchester United man. Defensively did OK although it will be interesting to see if he retains his place in the side.

Gallas: 7.0 - Handled what little threat Romania offered comfortably.

Thuram: 7.0 – Looked after Mutu and Niculae confidently and really wasn’t troubled.

Toulalan: 6.0 – Came into the starting line up for Vieira but didn’t have the same influence. Couldn’t get his team going forwards although he tidied up well enough at the back when needed to.

Makelele: 6.0 – He saw a lot of the ball and his passing was as immaculate as always but he couldn’t drive his team on.

Ribery: 6.5 - France’s most creative player who worked hard to get in behind the Romanian defence but couldn’t quite carve out the chance the French needed.

Malouda: 6.0 – A quiet first half and an even quieter second. Seemed reluctant to take on his man and offered little as an attacking force. In short, disappointing.

Anelka: 5.0 – Had a few half chances which he didn’t trouble the goalkeeper with but otherwise a quiet afternoon. Domenech eventually lost patience with the Chelsea man and swapped him for Gomis.

Benzema: 5.5 - France will have been hoping for better from their great hope. Some nice touches and managed to fashion a couple of shots but didn’t really trouble the keeper.

Substitutions

Gomis: 5.5 - Replaced Anelka for the last 20 minutes but couldn’t find a way through the Romanian defence.

Nasri: 5.0- Replaced Benzema but could no better than the Lyon man had before him.

Romania star Cristian Chivu is adamant that his side will not be overawed against Group C opponents Italy, France and the Netherlands.

Romania are major underdogs in a group that is rightly billed as “the group of death”, but despite the almighty challenge that awaits them in Austria and Switzerland this month, Chivu insists that they are in confident mood.


"It's been a long time since we were in the final of a major tournament but we are looking forward to the challenge," said Chivu

"We have a young side who did well in qualifying for these finals, so we go into the games without fear."

Late and dramatic injuries to Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro, Holland speed-demon Ryan Babel and France midfield enforcer Patrick Vieira certainly won't hurt Romania's cause, but Chivu insists that it is sympathy and not 'schadenfreude' that he feel.s

"It's a shame for them to miss a major tournament like this and I'm especially sorry for my friend and team-mate Patrick [Vieira]," said the Inter defender.

"It could happen to me, it could happen to anyone."

Romania will be participating in their first major tournament since Euro 2000, where they notably knocked out Kevin Keegan’s England, starting their campaign against France on June 9.

BUCHAREST, June 2 - Romania's 4-0 win over Montenegro at the weekend has left coach Victor Piturca with more problems than before regarding his lineup for their Euro 2008 opener against France, he said on Monday.

Piturca wanted just one warm-up before the France game in Group C on June 9 so that his players, many of whom are tired after a long club season, had less chance of being injured.


However, their performance left much to be desired despite the emphatic scoreline, especially in defence.

'I was not satisfied with our play even if we did win clearly,' Piturca told Reuters at Bucharest airport before leaving for Switzerland. 'All four defenders had a poor game.'

'I fielded a potential lineup to face France but the way my players played changed my mind,' he said. 'Now I have to draft new plans.'

During Saturday's game in Bucharest, Romania's defence struggled to contain visiting striker Mirko Vucinic who created several chances after missing a first-minute penalty.

'I don't know what would have happened if Montenegro were ahead 1-0 or 2-0,' said Piturca.

Romania's players, who were given the day off on Sunday, also looked worried.

'We must not hide behind the result,' said midfielder Mirel Radoi. 'We played poorly in the first half and if we play like this against France we won't have any chance.'

Romania scored in the first half against Montenegro at the Steaua Stadium and added three more goals in the second period when Piturca fielded his substitutes.

The coach was particularly unhappy with Stefan Radu, who replaced central defender Dorin Goian after he was injured in training on Friday.

'Radu was not at his highest level so we have a new problem if Goian fails to return against France,' Piturca said.

Although the coach was not satisfied with his defence, he praised the forwards after a sparkling display by Adrian Mutu.

'I'm happy that Adrian has maintained the form he has shown at Fiorentina,' Piturca said. 'He keeps on scoring and this gives me some confidence.'

However, he added that Mutu had to improve on his defensive duties, saying: 'He needs to put more effort in'.

Mutu opened the scoring after being set up by his captain Cristian Chivu and substitute central defender Sorin Ghionea added a second after the break.

Playmaker Nicolae Dica then grabbed a double after coming off the bench to improve his chances of starting against France.

'I recovered after a poor season with Steaua (Bucharest),' said Dica, who was named man of the match by local media.

Striker Marius Niculae, who only returned to the national team in March after an absence of four years following a series of injuiries, also did his best to try to oust Piturca's favorite Ciprian Marica from the starting linuep.

'The competition between Marica, me and Daniel Niculae is to the benefit of the team,' Marius Niculae said. 'But we know that scoring a goal may not be enough.'

Romania face world champions Italy and Netherlands as well as World Cup runners-up France in the group stage of the June 7-29 tournament in Austria and Switzerland.