Euro Cup 2024: Slovakia vs Romania Match Preview, Odds, and Game Prediction

Key Stats & Insights

  • Romania scored three goals against Ukraine on matchday one and should have scored against Belgium.
  • Slovakia have found the back of the net in each of their last five matches.
  • In the last 7 meetings, Slovakia have won 0 times, there have been 3 draws, and Romania have won 4 times. The goal difference is 15-7 in favor of Romania.

Game Preview

Slovakia

Slovakia began their campaign brightly against Ukraine, taking the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Schranz’s second goal of the tournament. They registered five shots on target, their highest in a major tournament match. However, Slovakia’s performance waned in the second half, allowing Ukraine to overturn the deficit and secure a win.

Slovakia will secure third place with a draw, likely enough to progress with four points.

Romania

Romania created several good chances against Belgium but were ultimately undone by clinical finishing from the Belgians, losing 2-0. Despite this, Romaniaโ€™s defense, which conceded just five goals in 10 qualifying games, will be crucial in this match.

Romania needs at least a draw to guarantee a top-two finish and advance to the knockout stage. They are accustomed to playing without the ball, having completed the fewest passes in the tournament so far and averaging just 37.0% possession.

Team Form and Performance

Slovakia โ€“ Last 10 Competitive Games

  • Record: 7 wins, 3 losses
  • Goals: 1.7 goals per game from 4.0 shots on target, 10.0 attempts
  • Possession: 52.8%
  • Corners: 6.9 per match
  • Top Performers: Ivan Schranz, Juraj Kucka, Ondrej Duda, Lukas Haraslin, David Hancko (2 goals each), Juraj Kucka and David Hancko (3 assists each), Martin Dubravka (3 clean sheets)

Romania โ€“ Last 10 Competitive Games

  • Record: 5 wins, 1 defeat, 4 draws
  • Goals: 1.5 goals per game from 4.9 shots on target, 10.9 attempts
  • Possession: 48.7%
  • Corners: 4.5 per match
  • Top Performers: Nicolae Stanciu (3 goals), Valentin Mihaila (3 goals), Razvan Marin (2 goals), Olimpiu Morutan (3 assists), Horatiu Moldovan and Florin Nita (3 clean sheets)

Head-to-Head Records

The last encounter between Slovakia and Romania was over a decade ago in 2013, ending in a 1-1 draw. Historically, Romania has dominated, winning four out of the last seven meetings with a goal difference of 15-7.

Possible Player Form and Availability

Slovakia Likely Lineup (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Martin Dubravka
  • Defenders: Peter Pekarik, Milan Skriniar, Denis Vavro, David Hancko
  • Midfielders: Stanislav Lobotka, Juraj Kucka, Ondrej Duda
  • Forwards: Lukas Haraslin, Robert Bozenik, Ivan Schranz

Romania Likely Lineup (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Florin Nita
  • Defenders: Andrei Ratiu, Andrei Burca, Radu Dragusin, Nicusor Bancu
  • Midfielders: Nicolae Stanciu, Razvan Marin, Marius Marin
  • Forwards: Dennis Man, Valentin Mihaila, Denis Dragus

Market Analysis (Odds)

  • Slovakia Win: 3.00
  • Romania Win: 4.00
  • Draw: 2.10

The odds suggest a balanced match, with a draw being a likely outcome. Under 2.5 Goals is the favorite in the Total Goals market, indicating a low-scoring affair. Both Teams to Score No is priced at 1.62.

Predictions

Both teams have shown they can score, but also have vulnerabilities. Given their recent performances and head-to-head history, a draw seems a likely outcome.

Prediction: Slovakia 1-1 Romania

Betting Tip: A draw at 2.10 and a combined total of two goals or less in the match are reasonable bets.