Source: Xinhua

06-14-2008 09:47

ZURICH, June 13 (Xinhua) -- World champions Italy and the 2006 runners-up France have both come to the verge of being eliminated from the European Championship, as the Azzurri were held 1-1 by Romania in a thrilling battle and a classy 4-1 victory on Friday over France sent the Netherlands into the last eight ahead of the final matches in Group C.

France's Nicolas Anelka (L) is tackled by two Dutch players during  the Euro 2008 Group C football match on June 13, 2008 in Bern,  Switzerland. The Netherlands won the match 4-1.(Xinhua Photo)

Marco van Basten's side, who beat Italy in their opening match on Monday, now have ensured the top finish in the well-received Group of Death after moving clear with six points, while Romania trailed on two from as many games. Italy and France, each have one point and one score against four goals conceded.

The second place reserved for Group C members in the last eight will wait for the occupier regarding the results of Tuesday's last round group matches in Zurich and Bern, where Italy pick France and Romania face the Dutch, and a victory for the Romanians will force both the world champions and runners-up packing home.

In Friday's encounter, the Oranje continued their superb form and dominated the first 30 minutes of the first half as Dirk Kuyt opened the scoring at the 9th minute when he headed in a corner from close range.