- What: EURO 2024 Round of 16, Romania vs Netherlands
- Where: Germany, Munich
- When: July 2, 19:00 (local time – 18:00)
- Stadium: Allianz Arena (67,800 seats)
The matchup brings together teams with different levels of prospects. The Netherlands have a somewhat realistic chance to compete for the title – bookmakers consider them the 6th contender. Romania is a fairly unexpected participant in the playoffs, largely due to a "deep eclipse" in Ukraine.
Romania
A team of very average level, and by European standards, even a bit below. They compensate a lot with desire, luck, and negotiability. Unexpectedly came out from the 1st place in Group E, although they scored as many points as the underdog. In the first round, with a solid share of luck, they defeated Ukraine 3-0, with the Ukrainians playing the entire match in a strange stupor, controlling the ball without threatening the goal, while Romania scored 2 amazing long-range goals. In the second round, they came under pressure from a revitalized Belgium and lost 2-0, resisting as best they could but not very convincingly. In the third round, they played a dull and shameful draw with Slovakia 1-1, which guaranteed both teams a place in the playoffs.
A team, though not super strong, but with character and under the right mood, can cause problems. For such teams, the main thing is the attitude.
Netherlands
Despite endless potential and praise from experts, they started EURO rather vaguely. Came out from the 3rd place in Group D, but their results declined progressively. In the first round, they defeated Poland 2-1, controlling the game and making almost twice as many shots on goal, but with half as many on target – a disaster in the final stages of attacks. In the second round, they held a dull draw with France 0-0, how such teams can fail to score is unclear. In the third round, they even lost to Austria 3-2, seemingly creating more chances, but the cursed finishing let them down again.
A likable team, but lacking seriousness and rationality in their actions. As usual.
Prediction
The Dutch simply must defeat such an opponent, otherwise, the purpose of their trip to Germany should be seriously questioned. The Romanian defense is quite surmountable, and Koeman's wards should take advantage of this.
Prediction xGscore: Netherlands Win
