Squawka
·3 July 2024
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Yahoo sportsSquawka
·3 July 2024
Romania achieved more than many believed they could at Euro 2024 when they secured top spot in Group E, however they fell to a good performance by the Netherlands in the round of 16.
Group E looked like one that Belgium should’ve dominate but it proved to be one of the tightest groups in the competition, with all four sides ending on four points. Romania’s superior goal difference was vital, handing them top spot and a Round of 16 tie with Netherlands.
The team can be proud of their run, but they were unable to match the Dutch in the round of 16. Cody Gakpo’s opening goal really seemed to knock the stuffing out of Romania and they failed to come to terms with the movement of the Netherlands as they added a couple more without response.
There have been six meetings between these two nations over the years, with Ukraine coming out on top in two of the last three. The other was a 2-2 draw at the Cyprus International Tournament which saw Ukraine win on penalties. Romania won the first three meetings between the sides though and will be looking to return to that form this summer.
Meetings between these sides have been few and far between in recent years, with their last six meetings all coming over a decade ago. Romania don’t have a bad record against Belgium though, winning three of the last six and losing twice. This is a different Belgium side though, one that represents a bigger challenge.
This has been a kind fixture for Romania over the years, with just one loss against Slovakia in their history coming all the way back in 1942. It’s been four wins and four draws in the last eight meetings though and this could end up being a key fixture for Romania in their pursuit of qualification.