[FNU]

Well, we all know if Romania win they're through. NL will field their 2nd string most likely. Now, the question is: Will the Netherlands LET Romania win? Would they rather avoid France/Italy later on and let a Romanian team they seem to have trouble with live another day, or are do they want to continue their excellent form and AT LEAST try to win the game against Romania, essentially burying them and the Romanian ghost?

Discuss and keep it civil.

I would also like to mention that the Netherlands are playing beautiful football and have been quite entertaining. If Italy is out, I wouldn't mind seeing the NL win it all because right now they deserve it.
On the other hand, if they do "pull" their last game, I can't respect that in the name of sportsmanship and fair play/competition.

I want to also note Romania's quality, and that I have them going through if you check the Top Two Thread. But it can't be denied that the Dutch are on form, and even their bench could ride the confidence wave to beat anyone.

[KaNgArOoS]

I am uneasy at the moment. If we play with a defensive mindset, we will get crushed.

5-0 for Holland.

Holland-9
Romania-2
Italy-2
France-2

[Tetsuo]

Originally Posted by FNU

Well, we all know if Romania win they're through. NL will field their 2nd string most likely. Now, the question is: Will the Netherlands LET Romania win? Would they rather avoid France/Italy later on and let a Romanian team they seem to have trouble with live another day, or are do they want to continue their excellent form and AT LEAST try to win the game against Romania, essentially burying them and the Romanian ghost?

Discuss and keep it civil.

I would also like to mention that the Netherlands are playing beautiful football and have been quite entertaining. If Italy is out, I wouldn't mind seeing the NL win it all because right now they deserve it.
On the other hand, if they do "pull" their last game, I can't respect that in the name of sportsmanship and fair play/competition.

as i said before. holland will not let us win. i think their mentality is too good for that. but the fact they will have some reserves on the field (a normal thing, every team qualified will try to avoid yellows and relax some players) will make it a bit easier. thus romania is favorite for second place. also if france-italy ends as a draw we could qulify with a draw or even a loss. Hai Romania!

[Pit-182]

Originally Posted by KaNgArOoS

I am uneasy at the moment. If we play with a defensive mindset, we will get crushed.

5-0 for Holland.

Holland-9
Romania-2
Italy-2
France-2

A draw between Italy and France? That's a stupid way to end that match for both teams

[Lusankya]

Why should Holland be afraid of France or Italy in the semis?
Why should anyone of them beat Spain in the quarters?

[Fan123]

Originally Posted by FNU

On the other hand, if they do "pull" their last game, I can't respect that in the name of sportsmanship and fair play/competition.

So Holland should care about getting some "fair-play" respect instead of looking at an easy semi-final match-up? Just so they can satisfy some angry Italian or French fans who will feel that they are "robbed" if Holland doesn't try their best?

[KaNgArOoS]

Originally Posted by Pit-182

A draw between Italy and France? That's a stupid way to end that match for both teams

It is but it seems like a realistic approach seeing both games today. If either team wins, I see a 2-1 score line.

[Tetsuo]

Originally Posted by Pit-182

A draw between Italy and France? That's a stupid way to end that match for both teams

yes it is. but the score could be 1-1 after both teams risked everything in attack.

[GoodDead]

Netherlands will rest some players for the Quarters but come out trying to win. But it should be expected that the Italians start their conspiracy theories about being screwed, as if Netherlands and Romania didn't prove to be better sides so far.

[FNU]

Originally Posted by Fan123

So Holland should care about getting some "fair-play" respect instead of looking at an easy semi-final match-up? Just so they can satisfy some angry Italian or French fans who will feel that they are "robbed" if Holland doesn't try their best?

I didn't say Holland should give a damn, but I personally won't respect it if they do pull the game. It doesn't really matter either way. The question is not about trying, it's about GIVING AWAY the game. If it's blatant or not, we'll have to see.