Preview: Netherlands - Romania

June 16, 2008

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The Netherlands will have little to play for in their last group match on Tuesday, but opponents Romania could secure a spot in the quarter finals.

After beating both Italy and France, the Dutch are certain of finishing this group in first position.

It is expected that coach Marco van Basten will rest a few players, at least the booked Nigel de Jong and André Ooijer.

Van Basten and his players have promised not to let Romania win the last match as a way to eliminate both Italy and France from the World Cup.

Romania meanwhile, will be without the heavily injured Mirel Radoi - for the rest of the tournament as well if Romania advance - and the suspended Dorin Goian.

Captain Cristian Chivu, who spent part of his career at Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam, doesn’t expect his side’s opponents to take it easy:

“They have waited a long time to play and win with this kind of attacking football. I don’t think they will relax at all.

“Even though they have qualified, they still want to win to show continuity in their results and they also want to be confirmed as favourites to win the trophy.”

The Netherlands and Romania shared a qualification group for this tournament. The result was a goalless draw in the Netherlands and a 1-0 win to Romania at home.

If Romania were to make it to the quarter finals, it would be a repeat of their performance in 2000 when they and Portugal left behind England and Germany in the group phase.

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