Group E couldn't be more finely poised heading into the final round of group games at Euro 2024 with each of the four teams having three points on the board.
Slovakia's loss to Ukraine and Romania's defeat at the hands of Belgium means that any of the four teams in Group E could progress through to the knockout stage on matchday three.
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Slovakia vs Romania prediction: Possible stalemate on the cards?
Key Stats
- Slovakia have found the back of the net in each of their last five matches.
- Romania scored three goals against Ukraine on matchday one and should have scored against Belgium.
- Three of the last four meetings between these two nations have ended in draws.
- Ivan Schranz has scored in each of Slovakia's opening two group games.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookmakers expecting a draw
- HOME: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- DRAW: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
- AWAY: 31/10 (4.10) – 24.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Slovakia are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 29.4%, but we are predicting a close and competitive 90 minutes between the pair.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: Romania in front
Romania have picked up two wins and three draws from their last five games against Slovakia with the pairing playing out a 1-1 stalemate in their last encounter back in 2013.
Euro 2024 26/06/24
Slovakia
Romania
Slovakia preview: Disappointing against the Ukraine
Slovakia started brightly against the Ukraine, taking the lead in the 17th minute through Ivan Schranz's second goal of the tournament.
However, despite going in at the break a goal to the good, Slovakia's performance dipped in the second 45 and Ukraine took full advantage, scoring twice to turn the game in their favour.
If Slovakia can secure at least a point against Romania then they are still in with a great chance of progressing through to the knockout stage.
Predicted lineup: Dúbravka (GK), Pekarík, Škriniar, Vavro, Hancko, Kucka, Lobotka, Duda, Schranz, Haraslín & Boženík
UEFA Nations League 23/03/25
L
Slovenia
1
Slovakia
0
UEFA Nations League 20/03/25
D
Slovenia
0
Slovakia
0
UEFA Nations League C 19/11/24
W
Estonia
0
Slovakia
1
UEFA Nations League C 16/11/24
L
Sweden
2
Slovakia
1
UEFA Nations League C 14/10/24
W
Azerbaijan
1
Slovakia
3
Romania preview: Couldn't handle Belgium's attack
Romania certainly created a few very good chances against Belgium on Saturday night but Romelu Lukaku and co were more clinical and deserved their victory.
The Red Devils took the lead in the second minute and added a killer second goal 11 minutes from time to wrap up a 2-0 victory.
A point could be enough to take Romania out of Group E and into the knockout stage but it's going to be a tough test against a well-organised Slovakian side.
Predicted lineup: Niță (GK), Bancu, Burcă, Drăgușin, Rațiu, Stanciu, R. Marin, M.Marin, Man, Mihăilă & Drăguș
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 24/03/25
W
San Marino
1
Romania
5
Europe - World Cup Qualifying 21/03/25
L
Bosnia-Herzegovina
1
Romania
0
UEFA Nations League C 18/11/24
W
Cyprus
1
Romania
4
UEFA Nations League C 15/10/24
W
Lithuania
1
Romania
2
UEFA Nations League C 12/10/24
W
Cyprus
0
Romania
3
Player to watch – Nicolae Stanciu
Romania's captain was unable to guide his team away from a defeat against a strong Belgium side on Saturday night but the Eastern Europeans remain well in the hunt for qualification from Group E.
We're expecting a big performance from Nicolae Stanciu on matchday three as Romania will fancy their chances of outscoring Slovakia and securing all three points which will ensure that they finish in the top two.
Will Romania's captain lead by example against Slovakia
The 31-year-old has scored 15 times in 71 appearances for his country and as we saw against Ukraine, the midfielder possesses the ability to score wonderful goals from outside the box.
Potential next opponents
Given that all four teams in the group have three points ahead of the last round, there are too many combinations to calculate what can happen and who would the next opponents be for Slovakia or Romania.
One thing is for sure—Romania are ahead at the moment thanks to a better goal difference. So, a draw or win for Romania would ensure they finish ahead of Slovakia.
So, whoever finishes first in the group will play against one of the best third-placed teams and there are too many possible outcomes for that to list here. In any case, they would get an easier opponent in theory.
More importantly, the winner of the group would end up on the side of the bracket with Italy, Austria, and England, instead of going to the side of bracket with France, Portugal, Germany, and Spain, where the second-placed team would go. In fact, we know that the second team in Group E would go against France in the next round.
Meanwhile, the team that finishes third in this group would either be paired against Spain or England, depending on the other results.
The latest Tweets from each camp
Romania
It’s the final matchday of the group stages!
Match against Slovakia ?? to decide our fate
At least a draw would secure a place in the round of 16, a loss of 4-0 or less while Belgium win would also see us through, anything else would result in elimination
Time to fight! ⚔️?? pic.twitter.com/O4mbhG3KWP
— Romanian Football (@RoFtbl) June 26, 2024