World Cup qualifiers. Key fixtures: Netherlands vs Romania

The Dutch have an opportunity to cement the first place in Group D if they defeat second-standing Romania on Tuesday at Amsterdam ArenA.

Netherlands have a five-point lead in the pool and a home win almost guarantees them advancement to the next stage. The first fixture of the sides i saw the Netherlands overcome Romania 4-1 in Bucharest, but this time the teams have quite different motivations.

Romania are competing with Hungary for the second spot and a win or a draw will considerably boost their chances to receive promotion, while Louis van Gaal’s men want to earn a ticket to Brazil as early as possible.

Robin Van Persie is the most formidable force in the team as the striker netted more goals than any other player in current roster. The forward made an impact in October match against the same opponents scoring once and netted the second goal in a recent 3-0 win over Estonia on Friday.

The Romanian side will attempt to find a hole in a well-disciplined Dutch defense that conceded just two goals in five matches and that mission can only be completed by Adrian Mutu who can perfectly finish sharp counter attacks, yet the veteran will play without Ciprian Marica who misses the game due to injury.