Euro 2008: Italy Held to 1-1 Draw against Romania in Group C

Italy was held to 1-1 draw against Romania in an important group C match today. With this draw, Italy is left in the third place of the point table. Now, they must win against France in the last group match and also require the result of the Netherlands vs Romania match to go their way in order to secure a place in the quarter final of Euro 2008. Italy lost the first match by 0-3 to Netherlands. Romania, on the other hand, accumulates two points from their first two group stage matches and now requires a victory over formidable Netherlands, in what they have to cause the biggest upset of the tournament in their last group match.

From the very beginning of the match, Romania looked much more impressive thatn what they were against France in a tedious 0-0 draw. However, Gianluigi Buffo saved a number of clear chances; otherwise, the result of the match could have been different and Italy might have been out of the quarter final race with a match in hand. Del Piero and Luca Toni also created a number of chances, but could not bring out any success for Italy.

Italian defense4 looked really fragile in the match as they conceded the goal due to a wrong pass of Italian defense. Romanian striker Adrian Mutu opened scoring in the match putting Romania ahead in the match. Gianluca Zambrotta provided a back pass for Buffon, but only let Mutu to come in and tapped to send the ball over Buffon into the post after 55 minutes. However, Italy replied with Panucci scoring from a close range. Romania got a penalty, but this time Mutu turned out to be the villain as Buffon saved his penalty shot diving to his left.

Now, let us see if Italy can survive in the tournament winning the last match against France. It would be very disappointing for both France and Italy to get out of the tournament from the group stage, after playing each other in the final of the last world cup tournament, where Italy emerged winner to win the title. However, the reality is that either of Italy or France must be out of the tournament now, after Netherlands confirmed their entrance into the quarter final of the tournament.

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NY Times