Romania vs Netherlands – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Romania faces the Netherlands in the UEFA Euro 2024 round of 16 on Tuesday in Munich. Tricolorii topped their group whilst the Dutch finished third despite both sides taking four points. Romania have just one win and 10 defeats in 14 clashes vs the Netherlands.

Romania Form

Romania started Euro 2024 with a 3-0-win vs Ukraine despite having just 29% possession and nine shots. A 2-0 loss to Belgium saw them outshot 20-14 in their second Group E fixture. A 37th-minute penalty was enough to draw 1-1 with Slovakia to top their section on goal difference.

They were unbeaten in Euro qualifying, winning six and drawing four of their matches to finish above Switzerland. Romania were winless in four friendlies leading up to the Euros. They drew 1-1 with Northern Ireland and lost 3-2 to Colombia. Successive 0-0 draws followed vs Bulgaria and Liechtenstein.

Romania Team News

Romania coach Edward Iordanescu is without first-choice left-back Nicusor Bancu due to suspension. Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin is key in the back four.

Right-back Vasile Mogos could come into the XI with Andrei Ratiu swapping sides. In the wide areas, Ianis Hagi and Florinel Coman are battling Valentin Mihaila and Dennis Man to keep their spots.

Romania Motivation

This tournament has seen Romania drop very deep when leading in matches. They will do the same against the Dutch side.

Motivation is high and they will have every belief that they can beat a struggling Netherlands side.

Netherlands Form

The Netherlands needed a late goal from Wout Weghorst to beat Poland in their opening Euro 2024 match. They had 21 shots and 66% possession in that victory. A dull 0-0 draw vs France followed as they were outshot 15-8 before losing 3-2 to Austria after twice drawing level in the match.

The Dutch won four successive matches to qualify for the Euros before beating Scotland 4-0 in a friendly in March. A 2-1 loss to Germany preceded a 4-0-win vs Canada and a 4-0 victory over Iceland in friendlies leading up to the tournament.

Netherlands Team News

Central midfielder Joey Veerman is set to be dropped after being substituted just 35 minutes into the loss to Austria. Xavi Simons will return to the starting XI in his place.

Denzel Dumfries is expected to replace Lutsharel Geertruida at right back. Ronald Koeman must decide between Jeremie Frimpong and Donyell Malen for the right winger role.

Netherlands Motivation

Motivation will be very high to reach the quarter-finals. Virgil Van Dijk spoke about his country overestimating themselves before the tournament.

A more pragmatic approach is expected, more like what we saw vs France. Falling 1-0 down in this match could be fatal so the first goal is key.

Key Stats

Romania have lost just 2 of their last 18 matches

Romania have just 1 win in their last 7 fixtures (4 draws)

Romania have scored just 3 goals in their 14 matches vs the Dutch

The Netherlands have lost just 1 of their 14 clashes vs Romania (10 wins)

The Netherlands’ Memphis Depay has 46 international goals to his name

Verdict

Based on the head-to-head record, the Dutch should progress from this match. A win to zero looks like a good bet, as well as Depay to score.

Best Bet: Netherlands win to zero at 2.10

Alternate Bet: Netherlands win and Depay to score anytime at 2.97

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis