A disappointing night for Romanian football and a set-back in the campaign for the World Cup Finals in Brazil. A dominant Dutch team ran away with the second half, adding three more goals to the one they scored in the first 45 minutes. Romania were unable to find away through and had few chances against The Netherlands, whose quality and positive attacking play gave them resounding 4 – 0 victory at home in Amsterdam.

A chilly, but dry evening at the Amsterdam Arena as Romania faced a strong, in-form Dutch team on home turf. Romania's coach Victor Piturca made a number of changes to the line-up that drew one-all with Hungary. Costel Pantilimon replaced Steaua keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu in goals and forward Adrain Mutu started on the bench, as did the match saving wonder-sub Alexandru Chipciu, who equalized in the final moments of the Hungary game.

After a steady start with shots at either end, Dutch midfielder Rafael Van der Vaart scored with a powerful strike from the edge of the penalty area just 11 minutes into the match. The early goal brought back memories of Romania's previous Group D match against The Netherlands when the Dutch went ahead after nine minutes and went on to win 4 – 1. However, a rush of Dutch goals didn't immediately follow and although Romania were unable to threaten too seriously, the first half ended 1 – 0 to The Netherlands.

Still no substitutions as the second half got underway and the Dutch didn't waste any time, putting Romania under pressure straight from the referee's whistle. Robin Van Persie is one of the safest bets to score in football and after assisting in the first half goal, he was soon on the attack again. A nicely weighted cross from Arjen Robben set up Van Persie, who doubled The Netherlands' lead with a masterful header.

A string of substitutions followed as Romania tried to find some answers to what was fast becoming a one-sided affair, with the Dutch dominating possession. Alexandru Chipciu and Gabriel Torje came on but were unable to change the run of play and after 64 minutes Robin Van Persie effectively put the game beyond Romania's reach with a penalty. Adrian Mutu, the other goalscorer in the Hungary match, came on, but he failed to make much of an impression against the Dutch.

Romania came ever so close to grabbing a consolation goal a little after 15 minutes from the end. A Gabriel Tamas cross found Bogdan Stancu slap bang in front of the Dutch goal. It was a great strike and an even better save from The Netherlands' keeper Kenneth Vermeer.

The clock ticked down and a somewhat dispirited looking Romania were seeing less and less of the ball, as their possession dropped below 20 percent. In the final minute, The Netherlands grabbed a fourth goal from a Jeremain Lens shot, six yards out.

A disappointing match, but credit must go to The Netherlands – confident, strong, positive attacking play that the Romanians simply couldn't handle. The result does not kill off Romania's World Cup hopes, but it does tip the balance a little in favor of the Hungarians, who are now in second place in Group D after a draw against Turkey, a point ahead of Romania. The final four games should feature two crunch ties for Romania – a match against Turkey and a crucial showdown with Hungary. With a match coming up against The Netherlands, the Hungarians probably have a tougher time ahead and Romanians will be hoping a Dutch victory will give them a chance to overtake their neighbors in the standings.

The road to Brazil will not be easy, and it's likely to be a very close race with Hungary, but for the moment, Romania's World Cup dream is still alive.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com

photo source: fifa.com, getty images