If I was the dutch coach I wouldn't want France or Italy getting through to the quarter finals so I be inclined to let Romania beat me and take the second spot. :023:

That's what I was thinking.  Hopefully it will happen.

I think Romania are capable of getting a result in their own right.  Aside from the results against Netherlands in qualifying, they have the ability to totally neutralise the "counter attack" which Netherlands have relied upon so heavily to get them the results they have.

If Romania set up their stall in the way they did against the French, but put on a lone forward with more of a physical presence (Marius) to hold the ball and give them the chance to counter themselves then I think they have the making of any team in the tournament.

Daniel Niculae is pacier than Marius, so I'd keep him on as a Wing Forward on one side and Mutu on the other.

Alternatively, with Goian facing a one match suspension then it's very likely that Chivu will drop into his slot at Centre Back leaving space for Marius to play inside left.

I hope they will!

It'd be an excllent chance for Marius!

I can see France and Italy playing out a draw and Romania drawing with the Dutch (or is that Holland or The Netherlands?).

Come on Marius, give us a goal!!!

Would the Netherlands rather the Romanians played Spain than Italy or France?

Holland have already won the group, hopefully they will rest some of their stars and just go through the motions.

I can't see the Netherelands having a great desire to win this one. Romania have a great chance. At ?3,000 a day ICT'S windfall is looking very respectable.