half goals from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Robin van Persie gave the Netherlands a 2-0 triumph over Romania on Tuesday, wrecking its hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2008 quarterfinals. Huntelaar sidefooted home in the 54th minute from a right-wing cross by Ibrahim Afellay and Van Persie made sure of victory with a fierce left-foot drive in the 87th after expertly controlling a free kick by Demy de Zeeuw. The Dutch finished with a 100 percent record at the top of Group C and play Sweden or Russia in a quarterfinal tie in Basel on Saturday. Romania needed to win to reach the last eight but, after gritty draws against world champion Italy and France earlier in the tournament, Victor Piturca's side lacked imagination and creativity against a Dutch side showing nine changes. “It's a pity because we had a chance, we couldn't take advantage of it after the first two games,” Piturca told reporters. “The Dutch team were better and fresher than us tonight.” A poor first half ended scoreless with a nervy Romania forced to shoot from long range. Captain Cristian Chivu fired a free kick over from a good central position after nine minutes before Adrian Mutu and Gabriel Tamas went close with 25-meter drives. Arjen Robben should have snatched the lead for the Dutch in the 36th minute when he latched on to a through ball from Huntelaar but slipped it wide from six meters with only keeper Bogdan Lobont to beat. Van Persie also missed a good second-half opportunity when he turned defender Sorin Ghionea inside out before his shot was parried away superbly by Lobont's outstretched hand. Porto reinstated Porto will be allowed to compete in next season's Champions League despite an ongoing investigation into the alleged bribery of referees, UEFA said on Monday. “They will be able to take part in the competition next season,” said UEFA spokesman William Gaillard. “Any sanctions brought against them (by UEFA) will apply from the following season.” UEFA said on Friday, in light of new evidence submitted in relation to domestic Portuguese appeals procedures, it would reassess Porto's position after annulling the decision to exclude the club over alleged bribery of referees in the 2003-04 season. UEFA's initial decision came after disciplinary action was taken last month against the club by Portuguese soccer authorities, which stripped Porto of six points and fined the club $230,400 after its probe of two matches in 2003-04. – Reuters __
