Predicition: Belgium vs Romania

Verdict: Both teams score 

Best odds:17/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Following a shocking end to the first round in Group E that saw favourites Ukraine and Belgium suffering heavy defeats, Belgium plays its last qualification card in front of group leaders Romania. The action will be carried out at RheinEnergie Stadium from Koln with the pressure mounting on Kevin de Bruyne and his teammates.

Belgium

While Belgium had an incredible run without tasting defeat since November 2022 at the Qatar World Cup when they fell to Morocco (2-0) in the group stage suffering an early exit from the competition, the Euro 2024 start had the same scenario. Although the Red Devils were tipped to win the group and progress at ease in the knockout phase, Lukaku&Co were socked by Slovakia in the first round.

However, despite dominating the game from start to finish the scoreboard indicated a 1-0 for Slovakia at the end of the final whistle. More so, Belgium failed to maintain high focus during the entire game, leading to a fatal mistake produced by Manchester City star Jeremy Doku. The Belgian winger dribbled in his box and gave a poor pass leaving Ivan Schranz to score from close range after 7 minutes of play, claiming a perfect start to their campaign with a shocking win against Belgium.

Still, the Red Devils played at the highest level in many moments and scored twice to have both strikes denied after VAR checks. Although the first goal was cancelled following a clear offside, the second was called out after a controversial decision following a handball.

With two games left and facing Group leaders Romania, any other result than a win could result in a shocking exit of Belgium from the Euro 2024. However, despite losing the first game to Slovakia, Belgium can still progress to the next phase even if they fail to win against Romania, benefiting from the 3rd place qualification spot.

Team News

With no injury worries before facing Romania, Domenico Tedesco is expected to line up the same players that featured against Slovakia. Although Belgium failed to score, Kevin de Bruyne is confident his team will find the back of the net against Romania.

Romania

While qualifying for the Euro 2024 as group winners was a surprise for many, Romania confirmed their status in the opening game against Ukraine. Although Tricolori was seen as underdogs against a Ukraine star-studded squad, the visitors produced a masterclass performance that shocked the Euros.

Continuing their impressive run that started in late November 2022, the visitors lost a game during this time (a friendly test against Colombia). This run had Romania climbing the FIFA rankings following a disappointing 8-year spell without qualifying for a major tournament.

Although Edward Iordanescu’s team is well positioned to progress in the knocked phase, Belgia’s loss to Slovakia will have the Red Devils playing their final card at the Euros, a dangerous position that Romania needs to be fully aware of. Also, there is a plausible scenario for all teams to have the same number of points (3) in this Group after the second round, if Belgia defeats Romania and Ukraine prevails against Slovakia.

However, putting on a masterclass performance against Ukraine with virtually no mistakes at the back and pinpoint accuracy upfront, Romania is expected to produce another major upset here. Furthermore, the underdog status seems to benefit the Romanian squad who shocked Serhiy Rebrov’s team despite being handed a 4/1 chance to win.

Team News

Edward Iordanescu is expected to line up the players he used against Ukraine. Although Tottenham ace Radu Dragusin performed at the highest level against Ukraine by stopping La Liga top scorer Artur Dovbyk, the Romanian defender will face another difficult test against Belgium’s all-time goalscorer, Romelu Lukaku.

Furthermore, captain Nicusor Stanciu will be keen to replicate his masterclass performance against Ukraine when he scored a superb goal with a perfect shot outside the box. Although he will face top-class defenders, the Romanian ace is tipped to score his 2nd goal in the tournament.

Key factors to consider

• Belgium’s loss to Slovakia ended an invincibility run that stems back from the Qatar World Cup
• The Red Devils need a win to keep qualification hopes alive
• Romania defeated Ukraine 3-0 in the first game
• Tricolori are in excellent form losing a single game since November 2022

Conclusion

Belgium is expected to have a strong start against Romania and secure the first win in Germany. However, Romania proved capable of defending with excellent team positioning and hitting on the break, leading to a plausible final scenario with goals scored at both ends.

Verdict: Both teams score 

Best odds:17/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet