IF you had said before the start of Euro 2024 that Belgium were staring down group stage elimination while Romania were looking to top the group, you would have been called mad.
However, that is the exact reality we are witnessing in Group E.
Favourites Belgium were shocked with a 1-0 defeat against Slovakia in their opening game.
They had more than enough chances to seal the deal, with Romelu Lukaku proving particularly profligate in front of goal.
Belgium even had the ball in net TWICE, only for play to be called back for an offside and a controversial handball with a so-called “snickometer”.
But for Slovakia, Ivan Schranz’s 7th minute strike was all they needed after pouncing on Jeremy Doku’s sloppy back pass into the penalty area.
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Statistically, it was the biggest upset in Euro’s history, with the Red Devils ranked third in Fifa’s global rankings and the Falcons ranked 48th at the time.
Meanwhile, Romania currently sit 47th in the rankings and smashed three past Ukraine in their opening match.
The Tricolours were not expected to make waves at this tournament – having only progressed into the knockout’s once (in 2000) previously – but two screamers and an expertly worked corner saw them rocket to the top of the group.
Now the two sides meet with vastly different fates on the line, we take a look at the two teams going into the clash.
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Belgium Euro 2024 guide
BELGIUM blend youth and experience as they look to win their first international trophy
Romelu Lukaku has seen it all, and scored 14 goals in qualifying, while Man City’s Jeremy Doku, 21, will hope to announce himself on the international stage.
MANAGER: Domenico Tedesco
Maverick Italian coach impressed at club level with Schalke 04 and RB Leipzig.
STAR MAN: Jeremy Doku
The winger provided an extra dimension to Man City as they beat Arsenal to the title and should be an ever-present in the Red Devils’ line-up at Euro 2024.
How Belgium attack
Belgium look to ensure they have control of the ball before playing in more advanced areas of the pitch.
One possession is secure, they will overload with as many as five players tasked with keeping the opposition defence occupied.
How Belgium defend
Belgium’s ageing Golden Generation will form a 4-3-3 mid-block and will not be overly aggressive in the press.
They are comfortable dropping deep and looking to force the opposition to play wide.
Read the full Belgium Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups, odds and Wags
Romania Euro 2024 guide
FORMER World Cup quarter-finalists Romania are back after eight years without qualifying for a tournament.
They aren’t pretty to watch but they are effective and topped their qualifying group unbeaten ahead of Switzerland.
MANAGER: Edward Iordanescu
His father Anghel managed them at the 1994 World Cup where they reached the last eight. Tough act to follow.
STAR MAN: Radu Dragusin
Has struggled to win a first team place at Spurs but has been a stalwart at international level.
How Romania attack
Romania will play out from the back and play one or two-touch passes to break between the lines.
However, they can run out of ideas when faced with a low block.
How Romania defend
Romania do not tend to press high as a unit and their players can be dragged out of position up the pitch.
However, they are far more effective close to their own goal with the midfield dropping deep to support the back four.
Read the full Romania Euro 2024 guide here, including predicted line-ups and latest odds
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What does their form look like?
Before their defeat to Slovakia, Belgium were unbeaten since their second game at the 2022 World Cup.
However, at tournament football such a record counts for squat.
In Romania’s case, before Ukraine they were actually on a four-game winless run.
In fact, they had won just four of their last ten matches.
It is their head-to-head record which turns up more even interesting results.
The record stands at five wins for each with two draws.
They have only met twice in the 21st century, with friendly games ending 2-1 with a win apiece.
Romania are actually something of a bogey team for Belgium, with only one defeat against them in their last five meetings.
What is the team news and any injuries to worry about?
Belgium will be sweating on the fitness of Arthur Theate and Jan Vertonghen after their Yannick Carrasco left-back gambit failed to pay off.
Youri Tielemans is another who could be brought into the team to add more creative spark.
Otherwise it is the same as before.
Likewise, Romania emerged from their Ukraine win injury free.
However, veteran striker Denis Alibec is eyeing a return from injury.
Though it is unlikely Romania will tinker with their winning formula given what is at stake.
Who will be the star men?
Kevin De Bruyne
Despite Belgium being unable to get the ball into the net (legally) there was no shortness of creativity from midfield.
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne was still the creative heartbeat of the team and he will once again be expected to fulfil that role against Romania.
Nicolae Stanciu
Nicolae Stanciu’s stunning opening goal saw him lead the way for his nation against Ukraine.
He would have already earned hero status for that alone, even forgetting his exploits as their top scorer in qualifying, and if he can do it again he might go down as a Euro 2024 icon.
What have the managers said?
Following their opening defeat, Belgium boss Domenico Tedesco refused to blame VAR for the loss and said he want’s to be a fair loser.
He said: “It’s tough for me to speak now. If we would have won, I could probably share my opinion a little more.
“But we lost and I want to be a good or at least a fair loser; we shouldn’t be talking about VAR.
“We trust these guys, we trust the VAR and the referees and if they blow and say it’s handball we have to trust and accept it and that’s that…
“Everyone is disappointed but I think you can harness that and make use of this defeat. We weren’t able to win the game, but there are positives we can take away.”
Romania manager Edward Iordanescu was in a jubilant mood after beating Ukraine, and even went as far as calling this team the “generation of soul”.
He said: “Today I felt some feelings for the first time. I lost control of myself. I would like to thank every Romanian, everywhere in the world…
“We have had golden generations but this nation does not represent any metal.
“It is the generation of soul. Such a big heart, such a soul, no one has ever had that.
“This generation is limitless. They have done so much. They ran until they fell over.”
SunSport prediction
Belgium are a wounded foe after their shock defeat in the opener, while Romania are on a high.
For all of Romania’s quality, Belgium will be desperate for a result and surely won’t get as unlucky as they did against Slovakia again.
Belgium 3-1 Romania
When is Belgium vs Romania?
- Belgium’s big clash against Romania will take place on Saturday, June 22.
- The game will kick off at 8pm BST.
- The RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany will play host to the game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Belgium vs Romania will be shown live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD in the UK.
- You can live stream the action from the ITV X app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes, you can watch the game for FREE, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
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Odds
- Belgium – 1/2
- Draw – 10/3
- Romania – 6/1
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
