Slovakia - Romania predictions and free betting tips [26/06/2024]

On Wednesday, 26 June, Slovakia will face Romania in the third round of the Euro 2024 group stage. With all four teams in Group E holding three points each, expect calculations of various scenarios and possible conspiracy theories.

Projected Lineups

Slovakia: Dúbravka; Pekarík, Vavro, Škriniar, Hanko; Kučka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Boženík, Haraslín. 

The Slovakian coaching staff did not include Robert Mak (16 goals in 81 matches) or defender Tomič (5 matches) in the tournament squad. However, these are the only significant losses for the tricolours, who will field a formidable lineup. Available for selection are Lobotka (Napoli), Haraslín (Sparta Prague), Schranz (Slavia Prague), and Boženík. Handling the defence will be Parisian Škriniar (70 matches) and Feyenoord’s defender Hanko.

Young talent Suslov (Verona) remained on the bench for the first two matches but may see some playing time. Francesco Calzone will likely make some changes compared to the previous round, but goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka and midfielders Ondrej Duda and Juraj Kučka are expected to retain their spots.

Romania: Niță; Rațiu, Drăgușin, Burcă, Bancu; R. Marin, M. Marin, Stanciu; Man, Drăguș, Mihăilă. 

Unavailable for the nominal visitors are Moruțan (injured) and Manea and Tănase, who were not selected by the coaching staff. On the other hand, right-back Rațiu (Rayo Vallecano) and Dennis Man (Parma), who scored a brace against Ukraine, are already drawing interest from top European clubs. His attacking partner Mihăilă (6 goals) came off the bench in the first round and even made the starting lineup on Saturday evening.

Speedy Hagi (Alaves) and Pușcaș (Baris, 4 goals this season) are ready to boost the game in the second half, while Drăguș has finally seized the opportunity given by Alibec’s injury and has a good chance to lead the tricolours' attack again. Romanian defence is anchored by Drăgușin (Tottenham); in the midfield, we will see Marius Marin joined by Răzvan Marin and Nicolae Stanciu.

Stadium

The match will take place in Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park.  

Slovakia

Slovakia started their Euro campaign with a victory over Belgium (0:1) in the first round and could have secured a playoff spot last week. However, despite scoring first, Francesco Calzone’s charges failed to hold their lead and ended up losing to Ukraine 1:2, with goals by Shaparenko and Yaremchuk turning the match. Now, the tournament situation in Group E is very convoluted, with all four teams having three points each. The white-red-blue will finish in the top two and advance if they, at the very least, do not lose on Wednesday and will win the group if they triumph, provided Belgium doesn’t beat Ukraine.

Recall that in 2016 in France, Slovakia reached the Round of 16, and in 2021, they were eliminated in the group stage. The team has participated in only one World Cup since gaining independence, while they qualify for the Euro regularly. The nominal hosts finished 2nd in their qualifying group with 22 points out of a possible 30, winning their last three matches—against Luxembourg (0:1), Iceland (4:2), and Bosnia (1:2). In June, the Falcons achieved success in friendly matches with San Marino (4:0) and Wales (4:0).

Romania

Against all expectations, Romania thrashed Ukraine 3:0 in the first round and even had chances to progress to the playoffs last Saturday against Belgium. After conceding to Tielemans in the opening minutes, the red-blues couldn’t break down the Red Devils’ defence. After De Bruyne’s second goal, they effectively gave up (2:0). As a result, Jordanescu’s charges, like their upcoming opponents, have three points. Only a heavy defeat on Wednesday combined with a Ukraine victory would keep Romania from finishing in the top three. 

It’s important to remember that the nominal visitors topped their qualifying group, finishing ahead of Switzerland and Israel, conceding just 4 goals in 10 matches. In June, right before the start of the continental tournament, the team drew goalless matches with Bulgaria (0:0) and Liechtenstein (0:0). If Romania advances to the playoffs, it will be the first time the country has achieved such an impressive feat since reaching the quarter-finals at Euro 2000.

Head-to-Head Matches

Since 1994, Slovakia has won seven of their matches against the Romanian team, drawn four, and lost three. The last time these teams met was in August 2013, ending in a 1:1 draw.

Match Prediction: Slovakia – Romania

Slovakia showed nothing convincing in the second round and deservedly lost to Ukraine, while Romania put up a respectable fight against Belgium and had every chance not to lose. Jordanescu’s charges will certainly not be just making up the numbers, even with all the talks about a potentially favourable draw for both teams, and that’s why I’m betting on the visitors with a 0 handicap.

Prediction for the Total

In three of the last four head-to-head encounters, these teams exchanged goals. Neither side can boast particular defensive reliability, so I’m betting on “both teams to score.”

Corner Kicks Prediction

The Romanians have demonstrated decent attacking performance in the first two rounds and have already earned 11 corners in the tournament (an average of 5.5 per game). I’m betting on their individual total corners over 4.5.

Yellow Cards Prediction

In the first two matches of Euro 2024, Slovakia collected just one yellow card in total, so I’m betting on their individual total yellow cards being under 2.

Score Prediction

I’m placing my bet on a 1:2 score in favour of Romania.