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Match 1: Romania vs Netherlands
Match analysis: Euro 2024 knockout rounds are in full swing as Romania take on the Netherlands in the round of 16.
Romania qualified for the last 16 of the European Championship for the first time since 2000. Romania got off to a good start, winning 3-0 against Ukraine in their opening game before faltering to lose 2-0 to Belgium in their second match. In the third match, the final 1-1 draw with Slovakia saw Romania advance to the knockout round as top of Group E.
The Netherlands have reached the round of 16 for the second time in a row. At first, things went well, with a 2-1 win over Poland in the opening game. In the second match, the Netherlands drew 1-1 with France. In the third game, Austria defeated the Netherlands 3-2 and successfully grabbed the first place in the group, and advanced to the knockout round together with France and the Netherlands, who were in the second and third groups respectively.
The Netherlands impressed off the pitch but not at Euro 2024 as Ronald Koeman's side limped into the knockout stages.
Koeman was a key defender for the Netherlands in winning the Euros in West Germany in '88 and is now in charge for the second time. But he maintains the Dutch team's long-standing tradition of disappointing at major tournaments.
After the team's 3-2 defeat to Austria, Koeman warned that we have to react a bit for the next game because what is at stake and this could be our last knockout game.
These two teams have played a total of 13 games in history. Surprisingly, the Netherlands won nine games, Romania won one, and the other three ended in draws. The Netherlands won 3-0 in the last match-up of the 2017 friendlies. In addition, it will be the first European Cup match between the two sides since 2008, when the Netherlands won 2-0. However, Romania won the previous game 1-0 the year before. Somehow, Romania have scored just 3 goals in 13 games.
—— Why Romania will win ——
Romania will be serious underdogs in this game. At the end of the day, not many people expect them to win. But this is the knockout round of 16 of the European Championship and Romania will try to execute the tactics perfectly.
Denis Dragus led the group of strikers and scored on three shots. However, Florinel Coman is still looking for a goalscoring opportunity after three shots on goal in three games.
Stanciu led the midfield and scored one goal from four shots. Likewise, he had 24 passes in his last match. Marius Marin added 28 passes in the last match. Razvan Marin, meanwhile, has been consistent as a goalscorer, scoring two goals from six attempts. Inis Haji made a total of 18 passes.
Defensively has been solid, which is one of the reasons Romania have advanced to the round of 16. It is worth noting that Nicuso Banku has completed 21 tackles and 13 clearances. Andre Lathieu has completed 29 tackles and nine clearances. Meanwhile, Andre Burka made 24 tackles and made 18 clearances. Dragusin put in an incredible performance with 16 tackles and 24 clearances.
The backline did everything they could to help goalkeeper Florin Nita, who made 13 saves and conceded just three goals in three games. He is looking forward to rising to the challenge and having another productive race.
If the Romanian backline can rise to the challenge and block a Dutch pass to create a goalscoring chance, then Romania will win this game. To do that, the Romanian needs to keep possession of the ball.
—— Why the Netherlands will win ——
Although Frenkie de Jong was ruled out of the tournament with an ankle injury, the Netherlands persevered in this tournament and advanced to the round of 16. While there have been some minor issues, including the last game, the Netherlands have done their job and will be the favourites in this game due to the balance of the squad.
Depay scored one goal from nine shots to lead the forward group. Similarly, Cody Gakpo was also impressive, scoring two goals from seven shots. Donier Mullen is looking for his first goal while having two shots on goal. Harvey Simmons, meanwhile, was outstanding, with one assist and five shots on goal.
Cody Gakpo has already carried his end-of-season form at Liverpool into Euro 2024. He scored two goals and provided an assist for Liverpool in his final three Premier League games and continued his good goalscoring form in Group D, scoring once against Poland and Austria.
Gakpo scored a similar goal for two miles after cutting in from the left, which undoubtedly showed Liverpool's new boss that Arne Slott showed his best position on the wing. He has been brave on the ball, constantly challenging his defenders and creating chances (eight) and big chances (two) for the Netherlands.
With his superb performance against Poland, Gakpo has been the Dutch team's deadliest threat and a key player in this game.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen's Frimpong will also be a key player in this game.
After scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists for Bayer Leverkusen to win the domestic double this season, Frimpong looks set to be a real threat to the Dutch side going forward. His excellent assists, precise shots and pace at the back will pose a threat to any team.
The midfielders have been efficient in terms of passing. Basically, Jedi Schouten has completed 43 passes. Tijani Reinders added 18 passes.
But there are some inconsistencies at the back. While the Netherlands played well against France, they did not perform well in their last match against Austria and had some issues to work through. The first thing to do is to avoid attacking passes into your box. Van Dijk has made 23 tackles and 22 clearances. In addition, Stefan Dumfries has completed 31 tackles and 16 clearances. Hetleida has completed 15 tackles and made three clearances, but he still needs more work.
But if Barth Februhen struggles again, it doesn't matter. He was outstanding in his first two games, including a clean sheet against France, and after a clean sheet against France, Februhen struggled and was scored three goals by their opponents. Now, he has made 12 saves and scored four goals.
If the Netherlands can avoid a bad pass and create a goalscoring chance, the Netherlands will win this game. In addition, the backline must avoid allowing Romania to cut in.
—— Forecast ——
The Romanian team has had an incredible journey to reach the last 16 of the European Championship. But the Dutch will do everything possible to prove that the last game was a fluke. The defeat to Austria was perhaps a blessing as it could strengthen the cohesion of the Dutch team as they try to show the world what they are really capable of, while the strength of the Dutch team in the forward line could prove decisive. The Netherlands are in key positions on the pitch and they have enough depth to win this game, advance to the quarter-finals and send Romania home.
Recommend:
Look for the Netherlands to win 0-2 1-2 1-3