Dutch reserves demolish Romania's chances to advance

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-18  |     ONLINE EDITION

THE Netherlands' second-string players played their part yesterday, beating Romania 2-0 and keeping Italy alive at the European Championship.

Netherlands coach Marco van Basten rested nine regular starters from the team's previous two games, but not even the absence of star striker Ruud van Nistelrooy made a difference to the Dutch, who put on a solid performance and erased any doubts about how they would approach Tuesday's match in Bern.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, replacing Nistelrooy in the lineup, scored the first goal in the 54th with a quickly taken shot from inside the area after a cross from Ibrahim Afellay, and Robin van Persie, in for Dirk Kuyt, sealed victory in the 87th with a characteristic left-footed shot from 12 yards (meters).

French and Italian fans had feared that the Netherlands' weakened team could have given Romania a better chance to go through. Italy beat France 2-0 in Zurich.

Only regulars Khalid Boulahrouz, a defender, and midfielder Orlando Engelaar were back for yesterday's match.

The Dutch had nothing to lose because it had already clinched first place in Group C and a spot in the quarterfinals. Romania needed a win to advance, but could have gone through on a draw or even a loss depending on the France-Italy result.

"No Romanian would think that the Dutch wouldn't want to win today, that's impossible," Romania coach Victor Piturca said. "It was a serious match."

The Netherlands outshot Romania 16-11 and had 61 percent of ball possession.

Van Basten said he was happy for Italy coach and friend Roberto Donadoni, but reaffirmed that he was not looking to win Tuesday's match as a favor, and that they did not speak before the match.