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We didn’t think the Netherlands would only get through to the Round of 16 by the skin of their teeth, we also didn’t think that Romania would finish top of Group E, but that’s exactly what happened.
The Oranje army has stuck by their team, but they must be disappointed in the more defensive style of play which has been evident in all three of their Group games, and that defeat against Austria definitely took the wind out of the sails of Ronald Koeman and his team.
Fans of Romania, on the other hand must be feeling pleased with themselves, especially after that first match against Ukraine, winning 3 – 0 and giving them the perfect start to the competition.
Odds and Predictions
We’ve taken a close look at this match, and despite the encouraging performances from Romania, we can’t see past a win for a Netherlands side, which is full of top-drawer players.
The bookies agree with our tips, they have priced the Netherlands up as short-priced favourites at 1.44. The odds for Romania are 7.5 and the odds for the draw are 4.33.
For the correct score, 2 – 1 is the most likely outcome in our opinion and 9.50 for that outcome is a reasonable price.
The last one of our predictions is in the ‘To score at any time’ market and that player is Cody Gakpo.
He has already netted twice in this tournament and we feel that this game will be set up for him perfectly to increase on that tally.
Comparison and Statistics from Past Meetings between the Teams
Romania and the Netherlands have played each other head-to-head thirteen times in their history.
The Netherlands has won nine of these matches, Romania has won only once, and three matches have ended in a draw.
The last five H2H meetings between the two teams are listed below.
| Past Meetings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Mar 2017 | romania | 6-1 | netherlands | Friendly Game |
| 26 Mar 2013 | netherlands | 1-2 | romania | World Cup Qualifier |
| 16 Oct 2012 | romania | 2-0 | netherlands | World Cup Qualifier |
| 17 Jun 2008 | netherlands | 0-0 | romania | UEFA Euro 2008 |
| 13 Oct 2007 | romania | 2-0 | netherlands | UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifier |
Expected Line Ups
It wouldn’t be unfair to say that most football fans in the UK will not be familiar with many of the Romanian players, perhaps Radu Drăgușin and his performances for Tottenham, but that’s about it.
On the other hand, that Dutch lineup is jam-packed with talents, such as Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo, so it is no wonder that the bookies have got the Netherlands down as odds-on favourites for this match.
Romania (4-3-3): Florin Niță; Andrei Rațiu, Radu Drăgușin, Andrei Burcă, Deian Sorescu; Marius Marin, Răzvan Marin, Nicolae Stanciu; Dennis Man, Valentin Mihăilă, Alexandru Cicâldău.
Netherlands (4-3-3): Bart Verbruggen; Denzel Dumfries, Stefan de Vrij, Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké; Jerdy Schouten, Tijjani Reijnders, Joey Veerman; Xavi Simons, Memphis Depay, Cody Gakpo.
How Far Will These Teams Progress in the Tournament?
Romania has over-performed and are a credit to their country. The supporters must be very proud but we just can’t see them beating this Dutch side, even though they have been slightly disappointing so far.
Should the Netherlands win, they will theoretically have an easier path by facing either Austria or Turkey.
However, in reality, the challenge will be formidable, and it’s difficult to envision them overcoming either of these two teams.
