With Belgium reeling from an upset loss to Slovakia and needing to turn their competition around as fast as possible, they will be determined to make a statement by beating arguably the surprise package of the first fixtures.
Romania will be flying after a convincing 3-0 win over Ukraine but a much tougher test awaits them on Saturday.
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Belgium Vs Romania
Saturday 22nd June – 9pm
RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany
Live on ITV1 and ITVX
Preview
To say Belgium had a disappointing start is an understatement. Against Slovakia, they were careless and wasteful. Despite extended periods of high pressure, they could not get the goal they so desperately needed. The Red Devils did have the ball in the net twice, both times through Romelu Lukaku, however, the first was disallowed for offside and the second was controversially chalked off by VAR for a questionable handball from Lois Openda. This is promising as it shows the chances are there, they just need that killer instinct to convert their possession into goals.
Alternatively, Romania will go in to this match up with absolute fearlessness. They gave us one of the most entertaining games of the competition against Ukraine and thoroughly deserved the win. Romania were direct and dynamic, playing aggressively and showing their opponents why they deserved a spot at the tournament. They defended fiercely with Tottenham star Radu Dragusin a standout performer. Belgium will, of course, be a much tougher test and we will get to see the true quality of this Romania side.
Additionally, Romania have actually won three of the last five meetings between the two sides, with Belgium winning on just one occasion in 2011.
Belgium Vs Romania Odds
Despite the opening results, Belgium remain as strong favourites at 1.48 for the win. Underdogs Romania sit at 6.90 and a draw is 4.40.
Belgium Vs Romania Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
Hello, Is It Me You’re LUKing For
After misfiring in their opener, Lukaku will be wanting to bounce back with a strong performance that could help drive Belgium into the knockout stages. Belgium to win, 2.5+ goals in the match and Lukaku to score is at 2.63.
Count DRAGula
Spurs defender Dragusin was at the heart of Romania’s impressive opening win and will once again be looking to power his team to success from the back. This passion will not be lost against a vulnerable Belgium side still stunned by their opening defeat. Both teams to score is at 1.87.
PREMier Inn
Key players that will need to step up for Belgium include Premier League duo Kevin De Bruyne and Leandro Trossard. As leading figures in the team, they will be crucial if the Red Devils want to go far in this competition. The Man City man is 6.00 to open the scoring on Saturday, while Trossard sits at 6.50.
Belgium Team News
Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1): Casteels, Castagne, Faes, Debast, Carrasco; Mangala, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard, Lukaku
Romania Team News
Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1): Nita, Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; Marin; Man, Marin, Stanciu, Coman; Dragus
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