This game could be an absolutely thrilling encounter, or it could just default to a cagey game of chess considering either side have the chance to go through!
To Win (90 mins)
Slovakia 21/10
Draw 11/10
Romania 51/20
Slovakia
I know that many pegged Slovakia as a dark horse for the competition, but I’m not sure they were given much of a chance against Belgium! They were rather apprehensive about Ukraine and ended up paying the price for that. I doubt they will replicate that sort of performance here, which might end up opening the game by eliciting expansive football from both sides.
This is a side that enjoys getting on the ball, they can move it around at will when they want to and end up causing even the best defenses problems at the back. Slovakia is on the brink of glory; qualification would be massive for their nation and if they have a crack at their opponents here, I think they could come away with another massive result.
Romania
Romania’s 3-0 hammering of Ukraine means they sit at the summit of the group, qualification is firmly in their hands and even a draw would see them through to the next round.
This is a side that came into the tournament with a 10-match run of unbeaten results, the confidence that would give them shouldn’t be underestimated. They have shown they know how to put games away, but also how to hold on to important results. They illustrate impressive attacking intent so far in Germany and with Dennis Man upfront, they will be confident of converting any sort of chance that comes their way in the final third.
Prediction: Draw (11/10)
It is the sort of game which has a draw written all over it. The only point of concern would be that the longer the game goes on the more likely teams would become fearful of losing it…The worst thing you can do is underestimate the value qualification has for both of these teams.
Nevertheless, a draw at a little over even money is my best bet here.