FANS are preparing for a Euro 2024 ‘fix’ storm with a draw suiting both Romania and Slovakia ahead of Wednesday’s clash.
All four teams in Group E, which also includes Belgium and Ukraine, are on three points going into the final games.
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Four of the six third-placed teams in the tournament going through to the last-16.
With Hungary and Croatia already finishing third with three and two points respectively, it is now GUARANTEED four points will be enough for both Romania and Slovakia.
And former Romania star Danut Lupu, 57, claims that a convenient draw has been “arranged” between the two sides.
Per AS.Ro, Lupu, who played 14 times for Romania between 1989 and 1998, said: “We will qualify, draw with Slovakia.
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“It’s arranged, it would be a shame if we both didn’t go. Why risk it? Would be a shame!
“At that level the players get along very well! Why risk it? Why get in an accident?”
There has been no indication that Lupu’s comments are supported by either country.
And Romania forward Valentin Mihaila has insisted his side will be playing to win… until the final few minutes at least.
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He told reporters: “You can’t go into a match mentally as a player, as a team, with the thought of drawing.
“If it is 0-0 in the 91st minute and the tied score qualifies us both, yes … but I don’t want to do calculations.
“We have to go in with the mindset of winning the game and I think we can do that.”
Romania’s 3-0 win over Ukraine, leaving the Ukranians the only team in Group E with a negative goal difference, means NEITHER them or Slovakia could finish bottom of the group with a draw.
In that scenario, Ukraine or Belgium would finish top with a win… or be eliminated with a defeat.
While a draw would be curtains for Ukraine.
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
Obviously a win for either Romania or Slovakia in the Frankfurt clash would improve their group table, and theoretically an easier knockout tie.
But fans are convinced the pair will play out a draw.
One fan posted on X: “Is the Romania v Slovakia draw odds on yet?
“Surely the lads play out an entertaining 2-2 which looks like a lovely coincidence where they both qualify.”
Another added: “If ever there was an argument to not have 3rd place teams qualifying, it’s group E in this tournament.
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“You’re in a scenario now where Romania play Slovakia on the final game.
“If they draw, they’ll both qualify no matter what the other result is. Absolutely ripe for a draw.”
Who is Euro 2024’s sexiest star?
EURO 2024 has something for everyone from stunning goals, thrilling matches… and the continent’s biggest hunks, writes Jack Figg.
Several stars have lit up the group stages with their skills on the pitch – but others are also catching the eye for their looks.
But who is the sexiest?
Thankfully AI boffins have carried out an analysis on the facial attractiveness of all players at the tournament.
And it’s bad news for Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions who are the fourth UGLIEST in the competition – one place below Scotland.
In fact it’s England’s group rivals Serbia who have fans swooning the most – boasting an average score of 77.90/100 with defender Strahinja Pavlovic deemed their most attractive.
While Turkey defender Mert Muldur has been ranked as the tournament’s BEST-LOOKING player.
But who is England’s sexiest star, and who makes the Euros’ hunkiest XI? Read our full story.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
