http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Romania-c2990 in a 2014 World Cup qualifier in front of a packed stadium, and the Hamburger midfield ace admitted that his side knew before the clash about the atmosphere in Bucharest.
Netherlands midfield ace, Rafael van der Vaart, has revealed that the atmosphere in the stadium in his side’s 4-1 win over Romania at Arena Nationala on October 16 was fantastic.
The Hamburg midfielder, who joined the Bundesliga outfit earlier this summer after making 63 English Premier League appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, admitted that his side knew before their 2014 World Cup qualifier against the Romanians that it would not
be an empty stadium, as it happens in most qualifying games.
“Before the game we talked about this. The [atmosphere] in that beautiful stadium gave us the feeling of a European Championship or World Cup [match]. And then you unconsciously get the very best out of yourself”, Van der Vaart was quoted as saying to the
media.
Despite commencing proceedings a bit hesitantly in Bucharest, the Oranje grabbed the lead within nine minutes of action through http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Bruno-c8098 Martins Indi added his name to the score-sheet to double his side’s advantage.
After conceding two goals, the Tricolorii staged a better show, and mounted immense pressure on the visiting side’s back-line. Eventually, the hosts managed to pull one back in the 40th minute through http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Ciprian-Marica-c9258.
However, the Romanians conceded a penalty at the stroke of half-time, and Van der Vaart coolly converted the spot-kick to restore his side’s two goals cushion.
After the half-time break, the Flying Dutchmen did not give away anything, and played like true champions. However, they failed to put the match to bed until the 84th minute, when http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380 netted the fourth goal of the evening for the
Oranje to seal a comfortable 4-1 victory.
Reports confirm that the match between Netherlands and Romania was attended by over 50,000 fans, and Van der Vaart was surprised to see the packed stadium.
“Normally qualifying matches are played in old, half-empty stadiums. This should not, but does happen”, the Hamburg midfielder concluded.
The Oranje will resume 2014 World Cup qualification campaign in March 2013, when they host http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Estonia-c2894 and Romania.
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