Romania Defeat Netherlands 1-0 To Take Solo Lead In Group G of UEFA Euro 2008

The UEFA Euro 2008 group stage qualifier between Romania and the Netherlands was indeed a closely fought match. After all, the fierce competition is to be expected from the two leaders of Group G. However, the day went to Romania who held on to a 1-0 advantage to earn the full 3 points, and give them the solo lead in Group G of the UEFA Euro 2008 with 23 points. The Netherlands have a lock on the 2nd spot with 20 points, followed by Bulgaria with 18 points.

Romania was able to earn their goal through the efforts of FC Steaua Bucharest defender Dorin Goian, who tapped in the lone goal of the game with 19 minutes remaining in the match. Netherlands goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg was able to parry a header from Romania's Paul Codrea, but the rebound was collected by Dorin Goian who was able to tap in the back of the Netherlands net. The Romanian fans at the Lia Manoliu stadium in Bucharest cheered on as the home side broke the deadlock.

Netherlands had their chances through Ruud van Nistelrooy, Clarence Seedorf and Rafael van der Vaart, but none of their attempts could get past Romania goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont.

With only 3 qualifying matches left in the group stage of the UEFA Euro 2008, it's pretty certain that Romania will be one of two Group G teams who will earn a spot in the Euro 2008 Finals to be held in Austria and Swtizerland on June 2008. Romania will have to face Luxembourg on October 17, Bulgaria on November 17 and Albania on November 21. They've defeated Luxmebourg back in March 2007 3-0, and Romania is pretty confident that they can do it again in order to maintain their position at the top of Group G. The November match against Bulgaria might be a little tougher as Bulgaria has drawn with Romania 2-2, despite having the disadvantage at the Romania home pitch.

Meanwhile, the remaining matches of the Netherlands national football team include a matches against Slovenia on October 17, against Luxembourg on November 17, and against Belarus on November 21. Netherlands have defeated every of these teams, and will be playing hard to beat them again if they wish to claim the second spot in Group G to make it to the UEFA Euro 2008 Finals.

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