C3: Netherlands 2 - 0 Romania - 17/06/08

[Jager]

Actually I have seen the English praise their side until no end, even when they play like crap.

[Trim]

Dutch bandwagon flattens Romania

Second-half goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie ended Romania's hopes of a quarter-final place in Berne as the Netherlands rounded off an impressive Group C campaign with a third successive victory.

Netherlands on top
Romania knew three points would ensure they joined their opponents in the last eight, yet Victor Piţurcă's side were always on the back foot and Huntelaar, having passed up one presentable opening in the first half, clinically guided in Ibrahim Afellay's teasing right-wing cross nine minutes into the second. Marco van Basten made widespread changes from the team that had swept aside Italy and France in their first two fixtures, yet victory was sealed with three minutes left as Van Persie drove in his second goal in as many games.

New-look lineup
With progress already assured, Basten named a much changed side with only Khalid Boulahrouz and Orlando Engelaar retaining their places. That was little relief for Romania, however, given that the reshuffle brought Arjen Robben, Van Persie and Huntelaar into the starting lineup, and the Netherlands started the game showing their usual command in possession, Romania having to hector and hassle for every touch. Nonetheless, the best the Dutch had to offer in the opening exchanges was an Engelaar shot from distance which Cristian Chivu bravely charged down. If the key to tackling Van Basten's team was to deny them space, it seemed Romania had found it with everyone chipping in to cut the Oranje supply lines.

Near misses
The Netherlands were not held entirely in check, Van Persie heading wide from an Engelaar cross. Romania then threatened for the first time, Adrian Mutu collecting a throw-in and twisting and turning to work space only to pull his shot across the face of goal. Boulahrouz then got behind the Romanian defence on the right, cutting the ball back for Huntelaar, but the AFC Ajax striker lifted his shot over. Robben was soon guilty of a more glaring miss, running on to a Huntelaar flick only to nudge his shot wide of Bogdan Lobonţ's right-hand post. Paul Codrea may have been equally disappointed to have missed the target after Răzvan Raţ's teasing pass from the left wrong-footed the Dutch defence as half-time approached.

Huntelaar strike
The Netherlands took up where they had left off after the interval and might have broken through within four minutes of the restart when a long ball found Van Persie with only Gabriel Tamaş for company, but while he spun his marker, Lobonţ turned his low shot round the post brilliantly. The goalkeeper had no chance five minutes later, however, Afellay's ball from the right finding its way through a crowded penalty area for Huntelaar to guide in expertly.

Late clincher
With news filtering through that Italy had taken a 2-0 lead against France, Romania's situation started to seem desperate. Still unable to control possession, they continually found themselves on the back foot but while flying interceptions and timely challenges kept Piţurcă's team in contention, it was goals that were needed. Mutu set up substitute Florentin Petre for an overhead kick which looped over, but for all of their efforts, Romania were not to conjure up a second Miracle of Berne, with Van Persie underlining the class divide with the fiercely-struck second goal. The Netherlands will play either Sweden or Russia in the last eight in Basel on Saturday, while Romania finish in third position.

euro2008.uefa.com - Tournament - Matches

[Trim]

The official Man of the Match is Robin van Persie (Netherlands).

euro2008.uefa.com - Fanzone

[Jager]

Going back to the game, one must not forget that these two sides met in qaulification, where the Romanians got the best of them. So maybe that played a role in it.

However the Dutch can really break out nicely, they really bounce the ball around. On the other hand, the Azzurri game is simple. Different styles.

But as you go further into the competion, our game is favoured since defenses get better, officials don't call as much, and you meet better opponents.

[Beninato]

Originally Posted by __-SNAKE-__

You got it wrong there buddy, I dont hate Italy. If I did why did I always praise Toni and De Rossi?

Simple, your a fan of those two players. I'm a HUGE Thuram and Henry fan but I hate the French.

I hate the italian media and some(maltese)Italian fans for being so big headed as for your players, no I dont hate/dislike or any of such.

Were big headed because we can be. We've won 4 World Cups and 1 Euro Championship. If any countries fans deserve to be "big headed" its Italians.

No my last name aint even close to Italian....wouldnt mind if I had 1 anyway. I say it again and with all honesty, I dont hate or dislike Italy and some of the class players like Pirlo, De Rossi, Del Piero.

That is a quote similar to a Caucasian saying they aren't racist because most of their friends are black.

Btw for your info I was a big Robby Baggio fan back in the 90s also I like Inter and Roma as clubs. Btw I cant comment on the BBC or other commentators cause I didnt hear any of them. I cant say which country/club I hate/dislike cause that wouldnt be sportmanship and I will be hated by most ppl here. I said in an another thread, Im a neutral in this Euro.

That was boarder-line unreadable, so I won't comment.

FORZA ITALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[__-SNAKE-__]

Originally Posted by Jager

Actually I have seen the English praise their side until no end, even when they play like crap.

Hehehehehehe so fucken true, those are worser than the italians.

[jec1]

I felt for Romania this tourney, they deserved to move on but Italy caught a break and survived.

Romania have nothing to be ashamed of, congrats for putting a good effort.

[__-SNAKE-__]

Originally Posted by Beninato

Simple, your a fan of those two players. I'm a HUGE Thuram and Henry fan but I hate the French.

Thats not the reason at all,I like most of the Italian players so dont talk before you know anythin.

Were big headed because we can be. We've won 4 World Cups and 1 Euro Championship. If any countries fans deserve to be "big headed" its Italians.

Being big headed is what make you hated. So? Germany won 3 World Cups and 3 Euros. And Brazil won 5 World Cups including 2 against Italy. So whats you're point?

That is a quote similar to a Caucasian saying they aren't racist because most of their friends are black.

Whats this gotta to do with anythin...

That was boarder-line unreadable, so I won't comment.

You shouldnt have commented at all.

FORZA ITALIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![/quote]

Good luck against Spain....

[kyan]

Jager don't be silly.... England never play badly

I was watching the other game but from highlights I was impressed with the seeming ease that Huntelaar fitted into the team, in his first appearance in the Euros he nabs a goal, not bad going. A tidy finish as well.

And RvP's goal was great, similar to Robben's in terms of power and technique but better angle...

Did Engelaar get both of the assists?

[EDIT: The above argument is pretty pointless, Jager hates England, Beninato hates France, everyone's entitled to hate whoever they want, if they want to .]

[__-SNAKE-__]

Originally Posted by kyan

[EDIT: The above argument is pretty pointless, Jager hates England, Beninato hates France, everyone's entitled to hate whoever they want, if they want to .]

True but stating openly and continue attacking them is a proof of unsportsmanship

[NJ10]

Seriously its like reading the logic and arguments of a gang of six year olds. Grow up. Its a forum.

And i bet that my dad could beat up your dad.

Kyan- did Engelaar get a touch to the cross for the first goal?

[dukeofdavinci]

And i bet that my dad could beat up your dad.

this brings up memories of the 70's for me

[kyan]

Originally Posted by NJ10

Kyan- did Engelaar get a touch to the cross for the first goal?

Actually it's bloody difficult to tell, the commentators said he did on TV but watching the clip ReMad posted I don't think he did...

It was his pass that led to the second though right?

[dukeofdavinci]

moved*wrong thread.

[jec1]

Guys were a bit off-topic, this is the Holland/Romania thread....