The Netherlands head into the Euro 2024 knockout stages with a mixed bag of results. A dramatic opening win against Poland was followed by a solid draw against France, but a surprising 3-2 defeat to Austria exposed vulnerabilities.
Dutch Possession Plummets
Despite controlling possession in their opening games, the Dutch struggled against Austria’s pressing tactics. Their passing accuracy dipped significantly (from 88% to 83.6%) and they coughed up possession cheaply, leading to an early substitution for midfielder Joey Veerman.
Oranje’s Pressing Woes
The Netherlands’ inability to press effectively is another area of concern. They rank among the lowest teams in “High Turnovers” (attacks following possession regain near the opponent’s goal) and PPDA (passes allowed before a defensive action).
Romania: Easy Prey or Potential Upset?
While Romania boasts a poor passing record, they also offer a potential threat. Their long-range shooting prowess, particularly from Nicolae Stanciu and Razvan Marin, could put the Dutch defense under pressure. Additionally, goalkeeper Florin Nita has been in exceptional form, making him a difficult hurdle to overcome.
Keys for the Netherlands
To navigate this tricky encounter, the Dutch will need to exploit Romania’s passing deficiencies and capitalize on any second balls. They must also find a way to neutralize Stanciu and Marin’s attacking influence, while facing a shot-stopping challenge from Nita.
A Cautious Approach
Despite facing a seemingly weaker opponent on paper, the Netherlands’ recent struggles suggest a potentially close match. Their ability to rediscover their possession dominance and address their pressing weaknesses will be crucial in their quest for Euro 2024 glory.
