Holland too good for Romania, Holland 2 Romania 0

Holland certainly dismissed any doubts about their integrity by first outplaying and then eliminating Romania. Second-half goals from Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie sealed this victory but, in truth, the scoreline was flattering to Romania. For Holland, it is nine goals and nine points after a hugely impressive opening phase to the tournament.

Coach Marco van Basten had promised to field his "best available" team, though a cold shiver would probably have gone down the spines of both sets of players in the dressing rooms at the Letzigrund in Zurich when team news emerged.
Predictably, Holland were virtually unrecognisable from the side which defeated France 4-1 last Friday with Khalid Boulahrouz and Orlando Engelaar the only survivors.
Van Basten, though, had earned the right to do as he pleased after his team had put seven in total past France and Italy. The Dutch had the luxury of being able to replace quality with quality and it was also a chance for players like Van Persie, Arjen Robben and Huntelaar to impress ahead of Saturday's quarter-final against either Sweden or Russia.
Van Persie has been short of football over the past season at Arsenal, but looked dangerous in a free role behind Huntelaar and almost put Holland ahead after just failing to reach Engelaar's cross.
Van Basten's team were controlling possession imperiously although Romania looked relatively secure defensively. Engelaar was regularly drifting to the left from his central starting position and, on 27 minutes, produced another enticing cross that Van Persie headed over.
The Dutch were in control and showing few signs of holding back as Boulahrouz also added width and almost presented Huntelaar with the chance to add to his impressive strike-rate of seven goals in 12 internationals. Huntelaar was also linking the play impressively and created the best first-half chance when he sent Robben clear.Robben was too casual, however, and guided the ball wide.
For Romania, the fact was that they would progress with a victory. It was, therefore, surprising that they showed an initial lack of penetration going forward. Marius Niculae, Razvan Cocis and Paul Codrea all blazed first-half shots high and wide while Aston Villa's Wilfred Bouma made an excellent block to deny Adrian Mutu.
Half-time would have brought news of Andrea Pirlo's penalty to put Italy ahead against France but still the Romanians showed little immediate urgency.
Boulahrouz sent a wonderful 70-yard ball in the direction of Van Persie, who briefly evoked comparison with Dennis Bergkamp for the masterful way he deftly brought the ball under control. The turn was equally impressive, but he dragged his shot wide.
Moments later, Holland finally took a deserved lead. Ibrahim Afellay sent a low, skidding ball across the area and, with the runs of Robben and Engelaar distracting a disorganised defence, Huntelaar scored with ease. Conceding a goal still did little to stir the Romanians. Mutu looked most likely to fashion an equaliser, but was being expertly marshalled by Bouma.
It proved to be Romania's last stand and the finishing touch, when it came, was exquisitely delivered by Van Persie. Once again, he showed superb touch to bring the ball under control and he then held off a challenge from Cosmin Contra before smashing in a left-footed shot.