Euro 2008 Group B: Romania and the Netherlands Are on Fire

It was yet another night of competition in the Euro 2008 championship.

Tonight, the world champions and hot favorites, Italy, faced off with the Netherlands while France was battling with Romania.

Italy 0 - 3 the Netherlands

Who would have thought of such a score line—betting on it would have raised more than one pair of eyebrows.

The Netherlands took Italy for a ride they just won't forget. In 30 years of European competition, the Italians were never beaten by the Dutch yet tonight, history was made in grand fashion.

The Dutch took no prisoners nor spared any slights of mercy for their Italian counterparts, as they kicked off their Euro campaign with a bang in the shape and form of a three goal demolition job, at the hands of Ruud van Nistelrooy, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, and Wesley Schneider!

It took the Dutch no less than 26 minutes to find an opening in the Italian defense, although off-side in position, Van Nilstelroy deflected Schneider's left footer into the Promise Land, romping to a brilliant start of the match that was just a sample of things to come. 

The match turned in the Neds favor—it started with a miraculous line save from Van Bronckhorst, who in the process, eluded a much needed Italian equalizer. Thereafter, the Dutch were on the counter attack, wasting little time. They found speed, skill, and great play and 17 seconds later, the Italians were hammered by a second goal courtesy of a superb half-volley from Schneider!

The third goal came in the second half following yet another brilliant save from Dutch keeper Van Der Sar, blocking Pirlo's on target free kick in high-flying style. The rest writes itself as Van Bronckhorst headed home Kuyt's center pass.

The Dutch have been impressive, bold, ambitious, creative, and on top of it, they have destroyed the world champions and Euro 2008 favorites in the process. What a way to start!

Furthermore, Van Der Sar was nothing short of amazing tonight, with superb saves and a determination, just like the rest of the Dutch squad, to stamp their mark on their opponents. If this is any indications of the Neds' intentions, then they are the team to watch for sure.

France 0 - 0 Romania

Abomination, frustration, and most of all, questioning their chances qualifying for the finals is on les bleus agenda tonight going into their hotel rooms

Unlike the brilliant Dutch, the French could not find their way through the strong Romanian defense. Efforts from Anelka in the 33rd minute and later from both Benzema and Malouda resulted to nothing.

There is not much to argue in the French favor. A slow start to a European campaign against underdog Romania is demoralizing; nonetheless, the French are famous for bouncing back with style and authority. However if the "coq sportif" are serious about a second European title, then the French will have no other choice but to sort out their offensive deficiencies as future opponents, the Netherlands and Italy, will demand a higher level of play than tonight's first test against Romania.

On the upside though, Romania's defense just would not let anything filter through their nets tonight. Having stalled world cup runner up France in its quest for the European Cup, Romania should receive an extra confidence boost, when facing the likes of a disgruntled Italy, which will be looking for payback, and the brilliant Netherlands who have shown another face tonight!

Could Romania finish in the top two in the Group of Death?

Bottom line is that the Netherlands and Romania have stalled the favorites in their qualifying marches to European glory. They have shown to Europe and the world of football that they can outsmart their stronger opponents.

This Euro 2008 could be as unpredictable as ever!