Slovakia vs Romania: Preview, Prediction & Betting Tips

Both teams have exceeded expectations so far in the group, picking up impressive wins against both Ukraine and Belgium. Heading into the final game the group is wide open, and a win for either side would guarantee a place in the Round of 16. However, we expect there to be nothing to split the two sides with a back and forth game resulting in the points being shared.

Slovakia have conceded just two goals in their last four games, both coming last time out, but Romania have talent in attack who could cause them some issues. Winger Dennis Man has been particularly dangerous, picking up two assists in their 3-0 win over Ukraine, and he will hope to get some more joy here. Against Belgium, he registered three shots on target, so a prominent role beckons for him once more – Slovakia 2-2 Romania

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Slovakia and Romania face off in the final group stage game, with both sides vying for a place in the knockout stages. A win for either one would see them advance to the knockout stages.

Date: 26/06/24

Kick-off time: 17:00

Venue: Deutsche Bank Park

Group E is wide open heading into the final matchday with all teams locked on three points. After a defeat to Ukraine in the second game, Slovakia are third. Romania are remain top on goals scored after losing to Belgium. Both teams opened the tournament with surprising, yet impressive wins against superior opposition in Belgium and Ukraine. However, the pair were unable to secure their place in the Round of 16 on matchday two as they were defeated, which has set up a pivotal last game in determining the final group standings. If this game were to end in a draw, and one of Belgium and Ukraine win, the second place team would be decided on goal difference. However, with four points, the three teams would most likely advance as one of the best third place finishers.

Before their loss to Ukraine, Slovakia had won three of their last four, keeping clean sheets in all of the victories. They highlighted their strengths at the back when they kept Belgium out, but could not deny Ukraine. Their opponents Romania have been just as successful, keeping three consecutive clean sheets before they let in two in their last game. They will have to keep an eye on Slovakia’s Ivan Schranz, who has scored in each of the first two fixtures. The Slavia Prague forward has already matched the goal tally he recorded for his club in the league this season.

Romania had not been potent in front of goal heading into the tournament, ending their preparations with two consecutive goalless draws, but scored three in the opening game. Their main forward threats are Nicolae Stanciu and Denis Dragus, who both netted in their 3-0 win against Ukraine. The former only scored four goals this season, but Dragus enjoyed a much stronger campaign, scoring 14 times for Turkish side Gaziantep.

Should either side or both advance, it will just be the second time they have made it through to the knockout stages. Slovakia last advanced in 2016, with their Round of 16 exit their best finish in three appearances. Romania are participating for the sixth time, only making it out of the group once before in 2000, eventually being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Italy.

These two countries have met just 11 times in history, though fixtures have been scarce this century. Since 2000, they have played each other four times, the last meeting coming in an international friendly in 2013. Historically, Romania have been the dominant team, winning five to Slovakia’s one. Slovakia are winless in nine, with there being two draws in a row. They have never faced off in the European Championships, though have done so in qualifying. The last game ended 1-1 with Bogdan Stancu and Stanislav Sestak on the scoresheet.

Slovakia vs Romania will be available to watch on BBC Two.

Slovakia

Slovakia named an unchanged team against Ukraine and could opt to do so once more with no injury concerns.

Romania

Romania just made one change from their opening game lineup last time out, so expect there to be minimal changes once more in an important game. They have no injury concerns.

Slovakia

In their last five games, Slovakia have won three, drawn one and lost one. It was a good stretch for Slovakia heading into the tournament, but they made the dream start in their opening game against Belgium as they won 1-0. The only goal of the game came early on, as Ivan Schranz and his side capitalised on an error by Jeremy Doku to go ahead. Belgium had two goals disallowed for offside and a handball as the Slovakians managed to hold on for a historic victory. They were unable to repeat this feat against Ukraine as they lost 2-1. They squandered a lead after Schranz put them in front. Goals from Mykola Shaparenko and Roman Yaremchuk turned it around.

This followed two consecutive 4-0 wins against Wales and minnows San Marino. The latest of which was a victory against Wales, with the first goal scored on the stroke of half-time by Juraj Kucka. The lead was doubled by Robert Bozenik, before Ethan Ampadu converted into his own net to make it three. Laszlo Benes completed the scoring in the 90th minute.

San Marino were on the end of the same scoreline, though they took a more convincing 3-0 lead into the break. Tomas Rigo broke the deadlock eight minutes in, and Tomas Suslov added a second immediately after. Lukas Haraslin made it three before half-time, with the fourth coming from David Strelec. A friendly against Norway closed the March international break, and this ended in a 1-1 draw. Alexander Sorloth scored the opener 18 minutes in. Slovakia managed just two shots on target, but took advantage of one of their opportunities late on to salvage a draw thanks to Ondrej Duda.

Romania

In their last five games, Romania have won one, lost two and drawn two. Romania had endured a difficult stretch but they were able to pick up an incredible result with a 3-0 win against Ukraine in their opening group stage fixture. Nicolae Stanciu opened the scoring on half an hour with a stunning finish into the top left hand corner from long range. Razvan Marin doubled the lead with another strike from outside the box, with the ball eluding goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Denis Dragus scored a third moments later to put the game to bed.

They were unable to continue this momentum into the second game as they took on group favourites Belgium. It ended 2-0 to their opponents, with Youri Tielemans opening the scoring after just two minutes. Kevin De Bruyne put the game to bed late on. Their preparations for this tournament ended with a pair of goalless draws against both Bulgaria and Liechtenstein. The first of these came at home to Bulgaria, in what was an even game of limited opportunities, and neither were unable to take advantage of any chances.

It was a very similar story against Liechtenstein, as their struggles in front of goal continued. However, they showcased some strengths at the back with a second consecutive clean sheet. This followed a 3-2 defeat at Colombia, their only loss of this stretch. They fell 3-0 behind, with goals from Jhon Cordoba and Jhon Arias putting Colombia two ahead before half-time, and Yaser Asprilla adding another with 11 minutes to go. Romania threatened a comeback late on thanks to Ianis Hagi and Florin Tanase, but they were unable to complete the turnaround.

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