Euro 2024: The Netherlands Set to Face Romania in the Last-16
The Netherlands will be looking to bounce back from their group stage setback as they take on Romania in the Euro 2024 last-16 on Tuesday, July 2. Kick-off at the Allianz Arena in Munich is scheduled for 5pm.
Despite being in pole position to top Group D, the Dutch suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Austria in their final group game, slipping to third place. This unexpected result saw them avoid a potential clash with England and instead face the Group E winners, which turned out to be surprise package Romania.
Ronald Koeman’s side will be hoping to utilize this favorable draw and reach the quarter-finals, where they could meet either Turkey or a rematch with Austria. talkSPORT will have live coverage of the match, with commentary from Nigel Adderley and former Chelsea defender Scott Minto.
Romania, who topped their group over Belgium, will be without the suspended Nicusor Bancu for this encounter. The Tricolorii have a poor recent record against the Netherlands, winning just one of their last 14 meetings, but will take confidence from their impressive group stage performance.
Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk has acknowledged the need for improvement after his team’s disappointing display against Austria. The Liverpool defender has emphasized the importance of leading by example and proving himself on the pitch once again.
“We need to show a reaction and prove ourselves on the pitch once again.”
- Virgil van Dijk, Dutch captain
In the group stage, Netherlands’ Memphis Depay applied the most pressures in the final third (108) among all players, while Romania faced the third-lowest average quality of shots (xG per shot of 0.07).
This will be just the second-ever major tournament meeting between Romania and the Netherlands, with the Oranje winning 2-0 in the group stage of Euro 2008.
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