Romania vs Netherlands: Preview, predictions and lineups
Romania have been one of the surprise stars of Euro 2024 and have been rewarded for topping Group E with a clash against the Netherlands in the last 16 on Tuesday afternoon.
Hammering Ukraine 3-0 in their tournament opener, Romania's draw with Slovakia in their final group game ensured they finished ahead of Belgium in the standings. With no superstars in their ranks, Romania have shown incredible togetherness to reach the last 16 of the Euros for the first time since 2000.
While they will be significant underdogs for their meeting with the Netherlands, overcoming the Dutch is not impossible. Ronald Koeman's side finished third in Group D behind France and Austria, failing to wow on the big stage. Despite boasting a talented squad, they have struggled in both boxes at Euro 2024.
These two nations have battled on just one occasion at past European Championships, with that meeting coming all the way back in 2008. Netherlands ran out 2-0 winners on that occasion and would be thrilled to repeat that scoreline on Tuesday afternoon.
Here's 90min's preview of Romania vs Netherlands in the round of 16 at Euro 2024.
What time does Romania vs Netherlands kick-off?
- Location: Munich, Germany
- Stadium: Allianz Arena
- Date: Tuesday 2 June
- Kick-off time: 17:00 BST / 12:00 ET / 09:00 PT
- Referee: Felix Zwayer (GER)
- VAR: Bastian Dankert (GER)
Romania vs Netherlands H2H Record (Last Five Games)
- Romania: 1 win
- Netherlands: 4 wins
- Draws: 0
- Last meeting: Romania 0-3 Netherlands (14 November 2017) - International friendly
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Romania vs Netherlands on TV and live stream
Romania team news
Nicusor Bancu is suspended | Stu Forster/GettyImages
Romania are unlikely to deviate too much from the team that has earned them a spot in the knockout stages, although they will have to find a new left-back for the last 16. Nicusor Bancu is suspended after receiving his second yellow card of the tournament last time out. Centre-back Andrei Burca may fill his spot on Tuesday.
In midfield and up front, there are unlikely to be alterations. The likes of Razvan Marin, Denis Dragus and Nicolae Stanciu have all found the back of the net in Germany, while Dennis Man has been the chief provider on the right flank with two assists.
Romania predicted lineup vs Netherlands
Romania predicted lineup vs Netherlands (4-1-4-1): Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Rus, Barcu; M. Marin; Man, R. Marin, Stanciu, Coman; Dragus.
Netherlands team news
Xavi Simons has to start for the Oranje | ODD ANDERSEN/GettyImages
It took Koeman just 35 minutes to make a tactical change against Austria last time out. Swapping Joey Veerman for Xavi Simons, the Dutch instantly looked much sharper and the young attacker is likely to be recalled to the starting lineup against Romania.
Donyell Malen crowned a surprise start with an own goal against Austria, while Lutsharel Geertruida conceded three after replacing Denzel Dumfires. Neither are likely to start on Tuesday.
Fortunately for the Netherlands, they have no suspended players for the last 16.
Netherlands predicted lineup vs Romania
Netherlands predicted lineup vs Romania (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Dumfries, De Vrij, Van Dijk, Ake; Reijnders, Schouten; Frimpong, Simons, Gakpo; Depay.
Romania vs Netherlands score prediction
The bookies will have Netherlands as strong favourites for this one, but things may not go to plan. The Dutch have looked far from convincing in the final third and their own box, while pre-tournament injuries mean they're light in midfield.
Romania have proven themselves as an astute counter-attacking team at the tournament so far, most notably during their 3-0 win over Ukraine. If they can quickly transition from defence to attack, they could unsettle a Dutch team lacking a world-class defensive midfielder.
There's likely to be at least one shock in the last 16 – England falling just short against Slovakia – so why not here?
Prediction: Romania 2-1 Netherlands
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This article was originally published on www.90min.com as Romania vs Netherlands: Preview, predictions and lineups.