These might be the least exciting Round of 16 matches. In a more favorable bracket, the Netherlands, who lost 2-3 to Austria in their last group match, face Romania, the surprising winners of Group E, on Tuesday at 7 PM at Munich’s Allianz Arena. In the other match of the evening, Austria will play against Turkey at 10 PM at Leipzig’s Red Bull Arena (Beirut time).
7:00 PM: Netherlands vs. Romania
Among these two unexpected matchups, it’s hard to say which one will be more promising. However, given Romania’s performance in the group stage, it will be interesting to see if they can challenge the 7th-ranked FIFA team. Romania topped Group E, ahead of Belgium, and showed good form during the Euro qualifiers, where they finished ahead of Switzerland, who qualified for the quarter-finals at the expense of the defending champions. Without major stars, Romania has demonstrated strong offensive capabilities and relies on Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin in central defense. The Dutch, on the other hand, finished a disappointing third in Group D, behind Austria and France. After losing to Austria in their last group match, Memphis Depay and his teammates must win. They have the squad to do so, with players like Virgil Van Dijk, Nathan Aké, and Xavi Simons. Statistically, the advantage is also with the Oranje, who have beaten Romania nine times in 13 meetings, although the last win was in 2013.
10:00 PM: Austria vs. Turkey
Austria’s victory against the Netherlands (3-2) was one of the surprises of the group stage. Austria topped Group D ahead of France and now enters as favorites against Turkey, aiming for their first-ever quarter-final appearance at the Euros. The team has a solid lineup, including Bayern Munich’s Marcel Sabitzer and Konrad Laimer. Turkey, on the other hand, had a strong group stage, finishing second in Group F behind Portugal with two wins. However, the match against the Czech Republic resulted in several key suspensions. Against Austria, Turkey will be without their starting central defender, Samet Akaydin, and their playmaker, Hakan Calhanoglu.
