Romania vs Netherlands Predictions

• Romania have lost twice across their last 18 games
• The Dutch have struggled defensively throughout the tournament
• Romania were able to create openings in each of their three group games, scoring four times

Netherlands land on their feet

The Netherlands went into their final game in Group D in top spot, but a 3-2 loss to Austria saw them tumble into third place. That defeat hasn’t impacted them too much, as they’ve landed Romania in the last 16 in what is considered the easier half of the bracket.

Romania were the surprise winners of Group E, but they topped that pool on goal difference thanks to a four-way tie. That means they earned as many points as the third-placed Dutch, highlighting the awkward nature of the format of this tournament.

However, Romania did have their moments in the last round. They opened with a heavy win over Ukraine and they troubled Belgium in their second game. Settling for a point suited them against Slovakia, but they’ve shown attacking threat in each of their matches in Germany so far.

Romania to cause problems

Romania weren’t backed for much success in Group E, but the reputation of boss Edward Iordanescu coming into the tournament was that he was a fantastic planner. That’s proven true so far at this tournament since their eye-catching opener, as Romania have looked at home at the Euros.

An early goal for Belgium changed the face of that clash in a 2-0 defeat, but Romania did threaten in that clash. They’ve recorded Expected Goals tallies of 1.1, 0.9 and 1.2 through their first three games at the tournament and they head into this contest having suffered two defeats in their last 18 matches.

With the Dutch showing some vulnerabilities, Romania could trouble them in Munich.

Gakpo the answer for Dutch

The Netherlands have had an unconvincing tournament so far, starting with their poor set piece defending against Poland. That was followed by a 0-0 draw with France where they lost the xG battle and then they shipped three goals to Austria in Berlin.

Heading into the tournament, the Dutch had a string of big names in defence, but questions over their forward line and the absence of Frenkie De Jong. However, they’ve created plenty of chances so far, but they’ve struggled to keep their opponents quiet.

Cody Gakpo has been great for the Dutch with two strikes despite starting on the left flank. He was their most effective player against Austria and the Liverpool man should step up again. However, this Romania side know how to avoid defeat and given how shaky the Netherlands have been, both teams to score and a 1-1 draw appeal.