Euro 2024: Slovakia vs Romania tips and predictions - Cautious affair ends in narrow victory
- George Dempsey
- 25 June 2024
Slovakia and Romania could still finish top or bottom of Group E but a draw in Frankfurt on Wednesday (1700 BST) sends them both through, so don’t expect entertainment.
Slovakia and Romania meet in Frankfurt on Wednesday night with both sides still able to finish first in the group. And second. And third. Oh, and fourth.
For the first time in European Championship history, all four teams are level on three points and could finish in any of the four positions in Group E.
There was something quite predictable about Slovakia taking a step back against Ukraine after stunning Belgium on matchday one.
The first half ebbed and flowed with both sides having good possession and creating one chance of note each, but Slovakia lost control of the game in the second half.
It was the same story against the Belgians. They had a solid start, an early lead and a competitive first half, but they were a clear second-best for all of the second half.
Romania have looked just as well organised in the opening 45 minutes of their matches, so this game could be a slow burner.
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In terms of quality that can change or decide a game, all eyes will be on Slovakia’s Lukas Haraslin and Romania’s Dennis Man, but they’ll be well aware of each other's threat.
They’re the only two players in these squads to have created a clear-cut goalscoring opportunity in Germany, so if they’re kept quiet, this could be a scrappy game.
Two of Romania’s three goals at Euro 2024 were rare, but don’t be fooled, as they’ve failed to score in three of their last four matches, drawing blanks against Liechtenstein and Bulgaria.
Ultimately, we can’t ignore the fact that these sides are aware they progress with a draw, so there may come a time in the match when they settle for a point apiece.
Team news
Slovakia have no new injury concerns ahead of Wednesday’s match.
Juraj Kucka will retain his place in midfield while the front line, including goalkeeper Ivan Schranz, Robert Bozenik and Lukas Haraslin, will remain unchanged.
Romania’s creative midfield partnership of Razvan Marin and Nicolae Stanciu, and striker Denis Dragus, all scored in Romania’s opening group game.
They’ll likely remain unchanged with Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin marshalling the defence.
Key stats
- Slovakia have never beaten Romania in eight meetings
- Slovakia have only lost to three teams in their last 19 matches
- Romania have failed to score in three of their last four matches
- Only one team has scored in seven of Romania’s last 10 matches
