The Jamaica Star :: Sport :: Dutch reserves demolish Romania

BERN, Switzerland (AP)

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 yesterday's match in Bern.

First goal

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, replacing Nistelrooy in the line-up, 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 metres.

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 the match.

The Dutch had nothing to lose because they had already clinched first place in Group C and a spot in the quarter-finals. 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 per cent of ball possession.

No favour

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

"I know him very well and he is a friend of mine," the Dutchman said. "But we all know that in a situation like this it's not good to have contact with each other because I think there are too many interests between the two counties. But I'm happy that he has gone through. Happy for him, happy for Italy."