Match Prediction: Belgium vs Romania UEFA European Championship 2024
This game is set to be a contrast of styles as Belgium takes on Romania in a crucial match in the group. This Belgium side has so much to prove. They have often been tipped to do something special but have never truly performed on the grandest stage. They lost to France in a World Cup semi-final in 2018, which may have been their greatest opportunity to achieve greatness.
Romania reached the quarterfinals of this tournament in 2000 but has yet to make progress since then. In the five tournaments that followed, they failed to qualify on three occasions and did not make it out of the group the two times they did qualify. This goes without saying that it would be considered a fine achievement if they were to qualify from this tough group.
How did they qualify?
Finishing ten points ahead of third-placed Sweden, Belgium were completely dominant in their group scoring for fun and conceding only four goals throughout their campaign. Even more remarkably, Romania conceded only five goals in their qualifying campaign in a group involving six teams. They are a team clearly built on defensive foundations, which should make them a match for any team in the tournament.
Team Analysis
Romania prides itself on conceding few goals. This pride should be tested, though, since this Belgian side has some of the best attacking players on the planet. Manchester City's Doku and star man Kevin De Bruyne will likely be in the starting eleven, and they have caused much better teams problems.
Going back to qualification, this Romanian side only conceded five goals in ten games, showing how much emphasis they place on a tight defence. This contrast in styles will be fascinating to watch. However, Doku and star player Kevin De Bruyne should be used to playing against sides intent on defending.
Players to watch
The Belgians must have found a secret formula for creating world-class talent because they keep flying off the conveyor belt. We could highlight several players, but we will focus on their leading man.
- Kevin De Bruyne: The Manchester City legend can pick out a pass from anywhere on the pitch. With star striker Lukaku on red-hot form for his country and Doku lighting up the Premier League, he will have plenty of people around him feeding off his brilliance.
Although this Romanian side is not as star-studded as its opponents, they will be set up to stop the Belgian threat.
- Radu Drăgușin: Considering the strength of this Belgium attack, Romania will rely on their most notable player to have a very good game in defence. Having completed his move to Spurs in January, he hasn't played too many games in the Premier League, but his quality is well-known to Serie A fans.
Prediction
Belgium will likely have the vast majority of possession during this game, and we expect them to break down a stubborn Romanian defence. If Romania are to get anything from this game, they will rely on scoring on the counterattack.