Romania and the Netherlands face off in Munich this evening with a place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at stake.
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Team News
Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman makes three changes to the side that lost 3-2 Austria in their final group game.
Denzel Dumfries returns at right back with Lutsharel Geertruida dropping to the bench. Xavi Simons comes in for Joey Veerman in midfield while, in the biggest surprise, Steven Bergwijn starts on the right of a front three in place of Donyell Malen.
The Netherlands finished third in Group D.
𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐉𝐄 𝐗𝐈 for #ROUNED! 🦁🇳🇱#NothingLikeOranje pic.twitter.com/WUX9ENIv74
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) July 2, 2024
Romania topped Group E that also contained Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine.
They make two changes with Vasile Mogos coming in for the suspended Nicusor Bancu at left-back and Dennis Man replacing Florinel Coman on the right wing.
Confirmed line-ups
Romania: Nita, Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Mogos, Marius Marin, Man, Razvan Marin, Stanciu, Hagi, Dragus
Netherlands: Verbruggen, Dumfries, de Vrij, van Dijk, Ake, Schouten, Reijnders, Simons, Bergwijn, Gakpo, Depay
What they said
Romania coach Edward Iordănescu said: “This is going to be a now-or-never match – one you might play once in a lifetime. If the group react to it as they have prepared then this team might really decide their fate today. This is their chance to change their destiny and prove they can give all they’ve got on the pitch.
“When millions of Romanians sing the national anthem at the same time as our players, they should pay attention to a specific lyric: ‘Now or never, create another destiny for yourself.’ When you play for history, you should give everything. We need to give all to obtain everything, which would mean qualifying for the quarter-finals. We need to put everything and beyond out on the pitch to win.”
Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman said: “We are a proud nation. We like to win and play good football. We know that doesn’t always work, but we’re taking Romania really seriously. We know what we can expect and we need to improve compared to the last match – and that’s what we want to do.”
