Second-half goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie ended Romania’s hopes of a quarter-final place in Berne as the Netherlands rounded off an impressive Group C campaign with a third successive victory.

Netherlands on top
Romania knew three points would ensure they joined their opponents in the last eight, yet Victor Piţurcă’s side were always on the back foot and Huntelaar, having passed up one presentable opening in the first half, clinically guided in Ibrahim Afellay’s teasing right-wing cross nine minutes into the second. Marco van Basten made widespread changes from the team that had swept aside Italy and France in their first two fixtures, yet victory was sealed with three minutes left as Van Persie drove in his second goal in as many games. 

New-look lineup
With progress already assured, Basten named a much changed side with only Khalid Boulahrouz and Orlando Engelaar retaining their places. That was little relief for Romania, however, given that the reshuffle brought Arjen Robben, Van Persie and Huntelaar into the starting lineup, and the Netherlands started the game showing their usual command in possession, Romania having to hector and hassle for every touch. Nonetheless, the best the Dutch had to offer in the opening exchanges was an Engelaar shot from distance which Cristian Chivu bravely charged down. If the key to tackling Van Basten’s team was to deny them space, it seemed Romania had found it with everyone chipping in to cut the Oranje supply lines.

Near misses
The Netherlands were not held entirely in check, Van Persie heading wide from an Engelaar cross. Romania then threatened for the first time, Adrian Mutu collecting a throw-in and twisting and turning to work space only to pull his shot across the face of goal. Boulahrouz then got behind the Romanian defence on the right, cutting the ball back for Huntelaar, but the AFC Ajax striker lifted his shot over. Robben was soon guilty of a more glaring miss, running on to a Huntelaar flick only to nudge his shot wide of Bogdan Lobonţ’s right-hand post. Paul Codrea may have been equally disappointed to have missed the target after Răzvan Raţ’s teasing pass from the left wrong-footed the Dutch defence as half-time approached.

Huntelaar strike
The Netherlands took up where they had left off after the interval and might have broken through within four minutes of the restart when a long ball found Van Persie with only Gabriel Tamaş for company, but while he spun his marker, Lobonţ turned his low shot round the post brilliantly. The goalkeeper had no chance five minutes later, however, Afellay’s ball from the right finding its way through a crowded penalty area for Huntelaar to guide in expertly.

Late clincher
With news filtering through that Italy had taken a 2-0 lead against France, Romania’s situation started to seem desperate. Still unable to control possession, they continually found themselves on the back foot but while flying interceptions and timely challenges kept Piţurcă’s team in contention, it was goals that were needed. Mutu set up substitute Florentin Petre for an overhead kick which looped over, but for all of their efforts, Romania were not to conjure up a second Miracle of Berne, with Van Persie underlining the class divide with the fiercely-struck second goal. The Netherlands will play either Sweden or Russia in the last eight in Basel on Saturday, while Romania finish in third position.

Victor Piţurcă may have guided Romania to their first-ever victory over the Netherlands when the countries last met, but he believes the Dutch will prove a much tougher prospect in their final Group C encounter in Berne.

‘Extremely good form’
It is eight months since Romania defeated the Oranje 1-0 en route to topping their UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying group and Piţurcă believes Marco van Basten’s men have taken a significant stride forward in the intervening period. Recalling that triumph in Constanta, Romania’s coach said: "We had some experienced players who knew Dutch football well and that helped us with our tactics against them in the qualifiers. However, that wasn’t a good time for the Netherlands whereas right now, unfortunately for us, they are in extremely good form."

Permutations endless
Romania go into the game with draws against France and Italy behind them - and in pole position to take second place behind a Dutch team already assured first place. The permutations for Romania reaching the last eight appear endless but a victory would provide the easiest route although a draw or even a defeat might be enough depending on what happens in the other game, between France and Italy. Piţurcă stressed that his focus would be fixed entirely on events at the Stade de Suisse, however. "I don’t care about [the other] game," he said. "I don’t think I’m going to be able to coach my team if I’m thinking about another game. We know the different scenarios but by the end of the game I hope we will have qualified because we deserve it."

Goian missing
It does not help Piţurcă to be without centre-back Dorin Goian, scorer of the winner against the Dutch last October, who misses out through suspension. Holding midfielder Mirel Rădoi, meanwhile, has been ruled out of the tournament after breaking his nose and cheekbone in last Friday’s 1-1 draw with Italy. "Any loss is a great one for a small country like Romania," said Piţurcă who should give Sorin Ghionea his first start of the finals in place of FC Steaua Bucureşti team-mate Goian.

Van Basten pledge
The Netherlands’ team selection is a matter of debate amid considerable speculation that Van Basten will rest some key players. Yet although the Oranje are already through to the quarter-finals, having won their first two games in handsome fashion over Italy and France, Van Basten insists that whoever takes the field at the Stade de Suisse will give their all to secure a third straight victory. "We are taking the game very seriously and will play the best available team against Romania," said Van Basten who has a fully-fit Mario Melchiot and Klaas Jan Huntelaar at his disposal after recovering from respective pelvic and calf injuries.

‘Professional group’
Speaking at his pre-match press conference in Lausanne, Van Basten talked up the merits of his whole squad. "I am not saying anything about the starting lineup," he said. "I will tell the players first tomorrow and only after that will I make it public. We have a very professional group of 23 players, so we go into the game with the same concentration and desire as we always do." Midfielder Nigel de Jong and defender André Ooijer are prime candidates to be given the evening off with both players one booking away from a suspension while the likes of Wilfred Bouma, John Heitinga, Melchiot, Demy de Zeeuw, and Ibrahim Afellay are being mooted as possible starters.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst is more than happy for the Netherlands to begin their UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign against the world champions as they take on Italy in their Group C opener at Berne’s Stade de Suisse Wankdorf.

Respect
With 78 caps, the Feyenoord man is the Netherlands’ most experienced outfield player, and he is not afraid of the Azzurri’s status as FIFA World Cup holders. "I think it’s a good match to start the tournament," Van Bronckhorst said. "It’s a difficult match for us against the world champions of two years ago. We are very determined to have a good first game. We have a lot of respect for Italy and what they have achieved but we will do all we can to get the three points."

Confidence
Van Bronckhorst knows this territory, having already played in two UEFA European Championship semi-finals, including the 2000 defeat by the Azzurri, whose strength he again emphasised. "Italy have won a lot of titles, their players play for the biggest teams in Europe, they have a lot of experience and it is no accident that they are the reigning world champions," the 33-year-old said. "Any team would have trouble in beating them, but we have confidence in ourselves and we will go out there to pick up the points."

Preparations
A midfielder for his club, Van Bronckhorst reverts usually to left-back in Marco van Basten’s Oranje team and says the squad are in ideal condition for the tests to come in Group C against Italy, France and Romania, despite the withdrawal of Ryan Babel and Arjen Robben’s current absence with a groin problem. "We have prepared for three weeks and worked very hard to get into top shape, and I think we are in peak condition," Van Bronckhorst said. "Unfortunately we have some players who cannot start but we have good players to replace them, players who will give 100 per cent for their country."