EURO 2008 Preview: Holland vs. Romania

Romania are on the verge of causing the biggest EURO 2008 upset so far if they beat guaranteed leaders Holland in Berne on Tuesday.<br>

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

الثلاثاء، 17 يونيو 2008 - 11:58
Van Basten relaxed in Group C finale
Romania are on the verge of causing the biggest EURO 2008 upset so far if they beat guaranteed leaders Holland in Berne on Tuesday.

The Group C outsiders are in position to kick out France and Italy, who will be praying that Marco Van Basten's reserve team can hold the Romanians.

Holland are in dazzling form at the moment, but the Dutch failed to beat Romania in their two qualifying contests for the finals.

Head-to-head:

Holland win: 7

Romania win: 1

Draw: 3

Holland

"We are taking the game very seriously and will play the best available team against Romania," said Van Basten.

Team News: The Oranje are set to field a second-string team, with suspension-threatened duo Andre Ooijer and Nigel de Jong are certain to sit out.

Dirk Kuyt, Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Rafael Van der Vaart are also likely to be rested by Van Basten.

Probable Line-up: Van der Sar- Bouma, Heitinga, Mathijsen, Boulahrouz- Engelaar, Afellay, Robben, De Zeeuw- Van Persie, Huntelaar.

Romania

"We had some experienced players who knew Dutch football well and that helped us with our tactics against them in the qualifiers," said Victor Piturca.

"However, that wasn't a good time for the Netherlands whereas right now, unfortunately for us, they are in extremely good form."

Team News: Influential defender Dorin Goian misses out through suspension, while anchor man Mirel Radoi is ruled out for the rest of the tournament with an eye injury.

Probable Line-up: Lobont- Contra, Rat, Chivu, Tamas- Dica, Nicolita, Codrea, Petre- Mutu, Niculae.