Source: CCTV.com

06-17-2008 10:33

Special Report:   2008 European Championships

With a goalless draw in their opener and after being thrashed 4-1 by Holland, France must now beat Italy on Tuesday. Italy on the other hand, must also secure all three points.

The Netherlands are already assured of a quarter-final place after two storming victories against Italy and France. A Romania victory over the Netherlands in their last group match would guarantee them a place in the last eight.

France players preparing for the upcoming match with Italy. (Photo: sina.com)

France coach Raymond Domenech is under a lot of pressure from the French media, and he admitted on Tuesday that their last group match would be a huge one.

Raymond Domenech, France coach said "Even by forgetting about the other game, we now have a chance of qualifying from the group. We got a huge game tomorrow, that is also dependent on the result of the other game. But we are more than capable of making something worthwhile happen. For the moment, there is no sense at all on concentrating on what is going on in the other match."

Group C has already been won by the Netherlands, and second-placed Romania will join the Dutch in the quarter-finals by winning their encounter in Berne. If Romania draw or lose, then that would allow either France or Italy to go through by winning their match in Zurich - the only way Les Bleus can progress.

France players preparing for the upcoming match with Italy. (Photo: sina.com)

If Romania lose and the others play out a score draw, Italy would go through in a three-way head-to-head tie on two points as they would have scored more goals in the games involving France and Romania.

At the press conference on Monday, Donadoni outlined the huge importance of the fixture but evaded going into details.

Roberto Donadoni, Italy coach said "Every morning when I wake up, there is grey hair on my pillow - but maybe that is more symbolic of my age. We have a designated plan for this match and, obviously, I want to obtain great results here. Yes, of course, I know who will play but, as I said, I will not be telling you as we have one more training session tomorrow morning."

After performing so well in their opening two group games, the Dutch are set to give some of their star names a rest for the encounter with Romania.

A draw would be enough for Romania up against the Netherlands if the game between world champions Italy and France ended all-square in Zurich.