Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The UEFA European Under-19 Championship semifinals will feature a showdown between the Netherlands and Romania. The match will take place in Bucharest on Monday, June 23, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 Central European Time. Here’s my pick for the winner of this high-stakes clash.
Match preview
The Netherlands head into the Euro U-19 semifinals as one of the tournament favorites. The team has showcased exceptional organization and technical prowess during the group stage, confidently dispatching heavyweights like England and Germany.
The coaching staff has established seamless interplay across all lines, with the attacking unit standing out for its speed, football IQ, and one-on-one skills. Particular attention should be paid to Kees Smit and Ayoub Oufkir.
The Dutch traditionally focus on ball control and midfield dominance. They employ an effective high press, transition rapidly from defense to attack, and rarely allow opponents clear-cut chances.
The backline has looked solid, conceding just once in the tournament—in a match against England, when they already led 3-0. Interestingly, the Netherlands have never reached the final of the European Championship in this age category.
Romania have been the surprise package of the tournament, sensationally advancing from a tough group that included Denmark and Spain. The squad is defined by its cohesion and fighting spirit, compensating for a lack of star power with commitment, tactical discipline, and lightning-fast transitions in attack.
It’s worth noting that Romania only made their debut in the final stage of the U-19 Euros in 2022, losing all three group matches that year.
This year, Romania are the tournament hosts, and the team has played with double motivation. Defeat to Spain and victory over Montenegro were expected, but the rout of Denmark was a genuine shocker.
The main threat for opponents is striker David Barbu—the focal point of the attack and Romania’s top scorer. While Romania’s defense isn’t the most reliable, the players often compensate with determination and numerical superiority in their own box. Against the Netherlands, they won’t be favorites, but they’ve already shown they can challenge any opponent.
Match facts
- The Netherlands have won four matches in a row.
- Romania have lost just one of their last five matches.
- The Netherlands average 2.4 goals per game, Romania average 1.8.
Probable line-ups
- Netherlands U-19: Heerkens, Reed, Rots, van Aarle, Ugwu, Bogarde, Smit, Land, Redmond, Oufkir, Lucas.
- Romania U-19: Simon, Calugar, Marincau, Falcusan, Cercel, Marin, Pacuraru, Gutea, Matei, Vermesan, Barbu.
H2H
The only previous meeting between these sides in this age group came in 2016, with the Netherlands winning 2-1.
Prediction
The Netherlands prefer to control possession and dictate the tempo. Their style is high pressing, midfield control, and stretching the play wide. Romania, meanwhile, rely on quick flank play and counterattacks, banking on pace and individual skill. Given both teams’ styles, their motivation for a place in the final, and the strong form of their key players, this promises to be a dynamic, high-scoring affair. Extra time or even penalties can’t be ruled out, but the Dutch look the stronger side. My bet is on the Netherlands to win in regular time.
