Italy join Netherlands in last eight -- china.org.cn

Two 2-0s from Tuesday's Group C final round matches saw Italy join the Netherlands in last eight of Euro 2008.

The Italian beat depleted France 2-0 in Zurich while second-string Dutch team desposed Romania 2-0 in Bern.

Going into Tuesday's matches, the Romanians had the chance to eliminate world champions Italy and runners-up France if they could beat the already qualified Dutch team.

But two goals from Klaas Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie dashed Romania's hope of advancing and cleared the way for the Italians.

Italian players celebrate for scoring during Euro 2008 Group C football match against France in Zurich, Switzerland, June 17, 2008. Italy won 2-0. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

Italian players celebrate for scoring during Euro 2008 Group C football match against France in Zurich, Switzerland, June 17, 2008. Italy won 2-0. (Xinhua/Xu Jinquan)

The match between Italy and France was expected to be an even and tough encounter. It turned out to be so, but just before the 10th minute.

Franck Ribery, the most active French player earlier in the match, was stretched out due to injury 10 minuts into action and that greatly lifted pressure on Italian defence.

The French team suffered another blow when full back Eric Abidal was red carded after clattering into Italian striker Luca Toni's legs from behind in the penalty area at the 25th minute.

Andrea Pirlo converted a superb penalty shot to give the Italians a 1-0 lead and Damiele De Rossi sealed the 2-0 victory for the world champions with a super free-kick volley after the break.

Italian supporters, however, did not stood up to celebrate until the big screen showed in the 56 minute that the group winners Holland grasped a 1-0 lead over Romania, which had two points in hand ahead of Tuesday's game.

France's best chance came in the 50th minute when Karim Benzema's power shot with his right foot from outside the box just went high, before his right-footed shot from outside the box, assisted by Patrice Evra, was saved in the bottom right corner at 73rd minute.

In the other match played in Bern between Holland and Romania, Dutch coach Marco van Basten made nine changes to his starting line-up against France.

Rpmania's Florentin Petre shoots during Euro 2008 Group C football match against Netherlands in Bern, Switzerland, June 17, 2008. Netherlands won 2-0. (Xinhua/Guo Yong)

Romania's Florentin Petre shoots during Euro 2008 Group C football match against Netherlands in Bern, Switzerland, June 17, 2008. Netherlands won 2-0. (Xinhua/Guo Yong)

But it did not hinder Netherlands' domination of the first half as Romania stick to their tactic of "defence, defence, defence".

The Romanians benefited from the tactic in their previous two matches against Italy and France. They held the two World Cup finalists to draws.

Knowing they need a win to advance due to Italy's 1-0 lead over France, the Romanians tried to push forward in the second half. And the Netherlands immediately took the chance to explore the space behind the Romanian defence line with their counter-attack.

The Dutch team under van Basten now are masters of counter-attack. They used the tactic to beat Italy 3-0 and France 4-1 and left French striker Thierry Henry moaning "they just counter-attacked".

The 2-0 win make van Basten's side the second team to qualify with 9 points from three matches. On Monday Croatia also qualified with a perfect record.

The Netherlands will play in Saturday's quarterfinals against either Russia or Sweden while Italy will play Group D winners Spain on Sunday.

Should the Netherlands and Italy win their respective quarterfinal matches, they will meet for the second time at Euro 2008 in the semifinals on June 30 in Vienna.

(Xinhua News Agency June 18, 2008)