If Romania Qualify, They Deserve It - Buffon

The Group of Death has not panned out how many expected it to, but has nevertheless provided plenty of quality football, drama and unpredictability.

The Netherlands have qualified top of the group, with resounding 3-0 and 4-1 wins over World Cup winners Italy and runners-up France respectively.

Romania drew 0-0 with France in their opening game and 1-1 with Italy in their second, and as such, a win against the Netherlands in their final game would guarantee them qualification. (Click here for a list of all the possible scenarios from this evening's games.)

However, despite having bested the Oranje in the qualifying round of the tournament, it is suspected that on current form, if Italy and France cannot come close to the Netherlands, then neither can Romania. The point of contention lies in the fact that the Dutch are set to rest key players, which may allow Romania a greater chance of victory that the World Cup finalists were not given themselves.

There has been plenty of talk of a potential fix, as is rumoured to have happened in Euro 2004 when Denmark and Sweden's score draw sent Italy home, and many are wary of Holland's conduct. Italy keeper Buffon has been one of those, but he is now changing his tone somewhat, emphasising that should Romania go through, even against an under-strength Netherlands side, they deserve it.

"The time has come for Italy to prove their worth," said Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

"But if Romania end up going through it will be because they have deserved it, having held us and France to a draw and doing well in their last game."

Santino Santoro, Goal.com