Romania vs Netherlands
European Championship this season
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'Not afraid of Oranje,' Romania's Niță says ahead of round-of-16 clash.
Romania, fresh from ending a 24-year wait for knockout stage participation, face a challenging duel against the Netherlands, whose patchy form masks their potential in a compelling round-of-16 encounter at the Allianz Arena.
Romania
In a group where tournament favourites Belgium were placed, it was Romania who finished as winners after a 1-1 draw with Slovakia on Match Day 3. Despite this first-place finish for the Tricolours, all sides in Group E finished with equal points, a rare occurrence in the history of the European Championship.
With the draw, Romania ended a 24-year absence from the knockout stage of a major tournament since the year 2000. "I don't know what we can do in the future, but we are very pleased to have reached the next stage," Romania coach Edward Iordănescu said.
Romania faces a sterner test against the Netherlands in the round of 16 on Tuesday. This will be their second competitive meeting, with the first being a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands in the group stage of Euro 2008.
Romania have won only one of their last 14 games against Oranje. On Tuesday, they will be looking to end a four-game losing streak against the Flying Dutchmen.
"We hope to make a good impression in the match against the Netherlands. I am not afraid of anything at this point. I am doing what I love, and I do it with enthusiasm and passion. Why should I be afraid?" said Florin Niță, Romania's goalkeeper.
A 4—1—4—1 formation with Denis Drăguș in attack is expected.
Netherlands
Despite a fabulous goal from Memphis Depay, the Netherlands finished as one of the best four third-placed teams in Group D after a 3-2 defeat to Austria on the final day of the group stage. It was the first time since 1990 that the Netherlands suffered a defeat to Austria.
On Tuesday, they will have the chance to show their true capabilities after not reaching the expected heights in the group stage. On paper, overcoming Romania shouldn't pose much of a challenge.
However, it is worth noting that the Netherlands have lost three consecutive knockout stage games. "There are no easy games," Jerdy Schouten said ahead of Tuesday’s clash. "Every team has its own playing style, so you have to prepare differently each time and adapt your own style and tactics."
A 4—2—3—1 formation with Memphis Depay in attack is expected.
Team form
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Team Comparison
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