Xavi Simons could return to the starting lineup of the Dutch national team, while Romania suffers a loss of force that is not easy to fill.
Facing Romania in the round of 16 of EURO 2024, coach Ronald Koeman will likely still arrange his usual 4-3-3 formation. The biggest hope for the Dutch team’s attack is Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo.
The 25-year-old striker has scored two goals at Europe’s biggest football festival and along with his teammates at both club and national team levels, Virgil van Dijk plays a key role in the squad that Koeman operates.
Expected lineup of the Netherlands. Photo: Internet
The Dutch captain can put Xavi Simons back in the starting lineup, replacing Donyell Malen who scored an own goal in the loss to Austria. The PSG detonator will stand side by side with Gakpo and Memphis Depay, the star who just opened his goal account in Germany.
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The opportunity to break through the Romani corridor opened up for Simons in the context of the yellow army losing the service of Nicusor Bancu. The left-back played all 3 group stage matches, received 2 yellow cards and had to serve a suspension.
Deian Sorescu is probably the option chosen by coach Edward Iordanescu to fill the void left by Bancu.
Expected lineup of Romania. Photo: Internet
The match between Romania and the Netherlands will take place at 11:00 p.m. on July 2, at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
