Romania came out on top in Group E and will challenge their Round of 16 opponents, the Netherlands, this evening. Their top ranking in the play-offs and their victory over the Belgian powerhouse in the group stage shows not only the non-accidental nature of their success, but also the power of their overall defense. Facing the Netherlands, they are expected to keep their cool and the goal difference may be around 2.5.
This year's Euros saw all five of the world's lowest ranked teams - Georgia, Albania, Slovenia, Slovakia and Romania - advance. Despite Georgia and Slovakia's early goodbyes, there is still no shortage of fledgling powerhouses in the round of 16, which is a testament to the intensity of the knockout rounds.
First place in the play-offs and group stages is not a matter of luck.
Romania returned to the knockout stage since 2000. Before their success in the group stage, they had already beaten Switzerland and Israel to the top spot in the play-offs. Luck of the draw is important, but "Chance always comes to those who are prepared." Romania is aware of its limited attacking power and has therefore strengthened its defense. They conceded only five goals in 10 matches in the play-offs. Despite conceding three goals in the final week, the overall defense is solid. They have scored no more than two goals in four of their last five matches.
The Netherlands defeated Austria 2-3 in the final round of Group D matches and only advanced to the third place in the group. Facing the Round of 16, they will surely learn from their mistakes and improve their defense. Ronald Gauvin has led the Netherlands back to the European final week since his first stint in charge from 2018 to 2020. This return to the national team will see him eliminate internal strife. However, the play of attacking players Gap, Diby and even Wegeghese remains inconsistent, and it is still unknown whether they can break through the Romanian defense. Even if they win, the number of goals may be limited to one or two.
