Romania coach Victor Piturca has said that he had hoped for a better performance from his players against the Netherlands. Romania lost 0-2 to a second string Dutch side, which saw them being eliminated from Euro 2008 as Italy beat France 2-0 in the other group game that happened simultaneously.

Piturca reportedly said that the Dutch were better and fresher, and the Tricolorii did not raise their game to the level they should have. Hopes in Romania were high after draws against France and Italy had left them in a decent position to qualify from the Group of Death, but the players were no match for the Dutch. Holland had 61% possession, and had sixteen shots on target to Romania's 11. The Dutch goals came from Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Robin Van Persie. Romania had topped Group G in qualification ahead of the Dutch.

The Dutch now play Russia in the quarterfinals. As for Romania, they will be left pondering on what could have been in Euro 2008. One thing is for sure though - the footballing world will not take Romania lightly from now on.