Romania knocked out of Euro 2008 after 2-0 defeat to Holland
An under-strength Holland maintained their 100 per cent record at Euro 2008
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A superb Michael Ballack free-kick early in the second half was enough to see Germany through to the last-eight of Euro 2008 with a 1-0 win over co-hosts Austria. |  |
Tuesday, 17, Jun 2008 09:57
Holland continued their 100 per cent record in Euro 2008 after second half goals ensured they beat Romania 2-0.
The result also meant the Romanians, who had drawn against Italy and France, were knocked out.
Marco van Basten took the opportunity to rest several of his key players for side's final group match.
Already assured of victory in Group C, the Dutch brought Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Klaas Jan Huntelaar into the attack while John Heitinga, Wilfred Bouma and Tim de Cler came into defence.
But it was Romania who started the strongest, with Adrian Mutu crossing to Marius Niculae who fired his shot wide.
Arsenal's van Persie nearly got on the end of a Orlando Engelaar cross as the Dutch responded and he went close again when another Engelaar ball picked him only for his header to fly just wide.
Mutu then tried to test Maarten Stekelenburg but his shot went wide from outside the box.
Soon after, Robben should have made it 1-0 to Holland after a lay off from Huntelaar put him in on goal but he passed his shot wide from six yards out.
Paul Codrea then slammed Razvan Rat's cut back over the bar when he should have tested the keeper.
But the Dutch broke the deadlock after the break when Huntelaar gave them lead after 54 minutes.
The Ajax forward turned the ball into the net inside the six-yard box after Romania failed to clear Ibrahim Afellay's whipped free-kick from the right.
Holland doubled their lead on 86 minutes and ensured Italy, who led 2-0 against France, would join them in the last eight.
A cross from the left found van Persie who controlled it before smashing it into the top corner at the near post.