Prediction: Romania to win 1-0
Best Odds: 17/2
Croatia and Romania will face each other in the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship this week. The Group B match between Dragan Skočić’s side and Emil Săndoi’s team will be held at Stadionul Steaua in Bucharest, Romania and is scheduled to kick off at 7:45pm UK time on Tuesday.
Croatia
Croatia have one of the best senior national teams at the moment and regularly go deep into major competitions. In Luka Modric, the country boasts a living legend and one of the greatest midfielders of all time. However, the Under-21 side are not having the best of times and are leaving a lot to be desired for.
Dragan Skočić’s side are really struggling at the ongoing 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship at the moment. Croatia are third in Group B at the moment with no point from two matches and have already been eliminated from the competition.
The Croatia Under-21 team kicked off their 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Ukraine. It then followed a 1-0 loss at the hands of Spain. Two defeats in two mean that there is no way that Croatia will progress to the next round of the competition.
Team News:
Croatia Under-21 head coach Dragan Skočić is likely to give chances to some of the players who have not played much in the competition so far. Roko Simic could be drafted into the starting lineup. Martin Baturina should maintain his place in the middle of the park, while captain Dominik Kotarski will stay in goal.
Romania
Romania do not tend to do well in major competitions. Qualifying for the World Cup or the European Championship for the senior team is success in itself. So, there was not much expectations on the Under-21 team despite the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship being held in Romania.
Like Croatia, Emil Săndoi’s Romania have already been eliminated from the competition. The hosts are at the bottom of Group B at the moment with no point from two matches. They have nothing but pride to play for when they take to the pitch against Croatia.
Romania kicked off their 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship campaign with a 3-0 defeat to Spain. They then suffered a narrow 1-0 loss at the hands of Ukraine and will now not be able to advance to the next stage of the competition.
Team News:
Jovan Markovic should keep his place in the Croatia starting lineup. Claudiu Petrila is likely to start as well. David Miculescu, Rares Ilie and Alexandru Pantea could all start.
Key Factors to Consider
- Croatia have not scored any goal in 2 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B games.
- Croatia have conceded 3 goals in 2 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B games.
- Romania have not scored any goal in 2 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B games.
- Romania have conceded 4 goals in 2 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group B games.
Conclusion
Neither Croatia nor Romania have much to play for, and it is hard to see this match being particularly great. There is a reason why Croatia and Romania have been the two worst teams in the group, and that is because they are not very good. Romania are the host nation, and that will give them the advantage. Expect a narrow 1-0 win for Romania against Croatia.
Prediction: Romania to win 1-0
Best Odds: 17/2
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
