Slovakia take on Romania in the round 3 match of UEFA Euro-2024 group stage. The match will be played on Tuesday, June 26th at Deutsche Bank Park (Frankfurt).
Slovakia currently lack stars of the caliber of Marek Hamšík, who is now part of the coaching staff. Yes, there is Milan Škriniar, but he hasn't been playing regularly in his new club, PSG, at least not in the crucial matches. However, the coaching talent of Francesco Calzona, combined with a favorable draw, allowed Slovakia to pass last year's Euro qualifiers—getting through required only being better than Bosnia and Iceland, among others, while they lost to Portugal in both games. After a mixed performance in friendly matches (losing to Austria, only drawing with Norway, but securing confident wins against not just San Marino but also Wales), Slovakia faced the group's top favorite, Belgium, at the Euro. There, the underdog surprisingly won: they scored quickly and maintained that advantage. In their next game against neighboring Ukraine, they also opened the scoring early but ultimately lost 1-2. Still, they are just one point away from the playoffs.
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Romania shares similarities with their opponent. "The Tricolorii" also can't boast of a current generation of stars like Gheorghe Hagi. However, they also managed to make the most of a favorable draw and a convenient group. The team under Edward Iordănescu even managed to defeat Switzerland in the last qualifying round—a game that no longer mattered as both teams had already secured their Euro tickets. Nevertheless, they finished at the top of their group with an unbeaten streak. But 2024 saw a series of lackluster friendlies, from a loss to Colombia with three goals conceded to a goalless draw with modest Liechtenstein. So, the Tricolor and their fans approached the championship not in the best spirits. Last Monday, against Ukraine, they pleasantly surprised everyone by convincingly defeating the match favorite 3-0. Even with an expected 0-2 loss to Belgium, the group favorite, Stanciu and company remain the group leaders. A draw would suffice for at least second place.
The Romanians have never lost to their neighbors. Initially, they had 3 wins and 1 draw, but the last three encounters ended in draws, with only the number of goals varying. No need for any collusion here; everyone understands that a draw would suit both sides perfectly. We don't necessarily expect a "prearranged" match, but there won't be a winner between these neighboring teams.
Prediction for the match: Draw.
