No easy ride for Romanians, Van Basten vows

HOLLAND coach Marco van Basten has promised his team will be fully focused on beating Romania tonight — even though a Dutch defeat would see 2006 World Cup finalists Italy and France dumped out of Euro 2008.

“It’s an interesting match because we are in the good position of having already qualified,” he said. “Nevertheless, I think we want to play a good game so we are taking it seriously.

“We have a very professional group, 23 A internationals who are seriously professional and good players. We will approach the game with the same concentration that we did for the last two games.

“We will put out the best formation we can think about to play Romania.” Striker Ruud van Nistelrooy echoed the views of his coach, demanding the Dutch continue the momentum they have built up.

“We want to continue the way we played in the first two games,” said the 31-year-old frontman.

“We put a lot of work in to reach the level we showed in the first two games and we don’t want to lose that momentum.”

Meanwhile, Romania striker Ciprian Marica is calling on van Basten to field his strongest team.

“I hope the Netherlands will respect the traditions of the game and play their best side,” he said.

“You can understand why the coach might want to rest some players, especially if there are injuries or a danger of suspensions, but when the team is playing so well you also have to ask, ‘Why change it?’

“Even if the coach does change the team, there will be other players coming in looking to impress, so it’s going to be a difficult game for us, but one we are looking forward to with confidence.”