The optimism about reaching the knockout phase of the European Championship has quickly given way to realism in Romania, now that it is clear that the Netherlands will be the opponent in the round of 16. Nevertheless, the Romanian media sees opportunities.
© Pro Shots
The Dutch team and Romania were linked together, because Georgia was one of the four best numbers three with a stunt against Portugal on Wednesday evening. As a result, the Dutch team avoided a possible eighth final against England and ended up in the easiest part of the knockout schedule on paper.
The fact that the Netherlands views the link with Romania in this way is important Pro Sport also received. ‘The Dutch press reacted with joy that their team will play against Romania in the eighth finals. They are already thinking about a quarter-final against Austria or Turkey and underestimate the Tricolors‘, writes the sports newspaper.
At the same time, Romania has realized that a difficult opponent awaits. ‘If you finish first in the group, you don’t always get a walkover against a lesser opponent. That is the conclusion after a historic evening for Romania, the real challenge is only beginning now,” writes Sports Gazette about the game with the Dutch team.
The sports newspaper also immediately provided a short analysis. ‘Ronald Koeman’s team wants to play attacking football, but had a hard time in the last group match against Austria. The players do not seem to form a team, so the hope is mainly placed on individuals. That is something that does not bother Romania.’
That medium also directly points out that the Netherlands has always been a contender for a European Championship in history, but that there was almost always something missing to actually win the tournament. That is still the case now. ‘The game is mainly based on spontaneous inspirations from basketball player look-a-like Memphis Depay and the always eager Xavi Simons.’
The early substitution of Joey Veerman and the defensive disorder in the last game against Austria are also mentioned. Sportiluror newspaper hopes that Romania will be able to keep going until the last minute, just like Ralf Rangnick’s team. ‘It is positive that the Dutch team likes to have possession of the ball. Then we can counter and make optimal use of our weapons.’
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Hagi
Legend Gheorghe Hagi, captain of Romania that reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 1994, was optimistic about the remainder of the tournament even before the link with the Dutch team. ‘I didn’t say that we will now reach the semi-finals, it has only been interpreted that way. The most important thing is that we believe we can beat anyone.”
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2024-06-27 06:45:39
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