Belgium vs Romania Prediction & Betting Tips (22 June)

While it completely missed out during the last World Cup, exiting the tournament in the group stages, Belgium had once again disappointed its fans, definitely not seeing its golden generation triumph in a major international tournament. Since then, the Belgians have not lost a single match, including a largely successful run for the qualifiers 6 W, 2 N. It is therefore under the sign of renewal that Domenico Tedesco's men travel to Germany, The image of a selection very different from the one which failed against Italy during the last European Championship. To begin with, the Red Devils have...

match vs Slovakia Opposite, Iordanescu's Romania had been somewhat left aside in the predictions linked to this group D, often seeing journalists award them the probable 4th place and last of its chicken. Even if it had not really convinced in preparation for this Euro 2024, suffering a setback in Colombia 3-2, then not finding the fault either against Bulgaria 0-0, nor against the weak Liectenstein 0-0, the forecasters seem to forget the performance which allowed the Tricolores to take 1st place in their qualifying group ahead of Switzerland, remaining undefeated in the process. Faced with a Ukrainian team that was announced as attractive and well above its opponent of the afternoon, the Romanians shut more than one mouth, scoring a clear and flawless 3-0 at the Allianz Arena . Thanks to this prestigious success, Stanciu's partners, author of the goal of the tournament so far, only need a small point to be almost certain of participating in their first round of 16 since Euro 2000.

The biggest surprise on the list drawn up by the Belgium coach comes from the absence of Thibaut Courtois. The Real Madrid goalkeeper almost had a blank season due to an injury but he was indeed available for this Euro. He is in conflict with Domenico Tedesco, who refused to give him the armband while Courtois was captain under Martinez. We also note the non-calls of midfielder Vanaken (Club Bruges, 5 goals in 23 seasons) and winger Saelemaekers (Bologna, 1 goal in 12 seasons) who are not part of the new coach's plans, and Michy Batshuayi (27 goals in 52 seasons), author of a good season at Fenerbahçe. On the other hand, the experienced Witsel (Atlético Madrid, 131 sel) is making his comeback with the Red Devils after a long absence. The now defender comes to strengthen a sector which will be reduced for this first match. Also back, full-back Thomas Meunier injured his thigh during the match against Luxembourg. Still absent from training on Sunday, the former Parisian is out of this first match. Witsel trained individually, and he is uncertain this Monday. Things are better for two other defenders, in this case Rennais Theate and former Spur Vertonghen, but the two men should not start. The middle and the attack are better provided on paper. We find there in particular the essential De Bruyne (Manchester City, 27 goals and 50 assists in 101 sel) and Lukaku (Roma, 85 goals in 115 sel).

Offensively, choices will have to be made with the presence of the excellent Carrasco (Al-Shabab, 11 goals in 74 games), Trossard (Arsenal, 9 goals in 34 games), Doku (Manchester City, 2 goals in 22 games) and Openda ( Leipzig, 2 goals in 17 seasons). The latter did not even play during the last meeting. Romelu Lukaku finished top scorer in the qualifiers for the Euro with 14 goals and he even scored twice against Luxembourg last week. Opposite, Romania will count on its usual squad in this Euro. We still note the non-calls of defender Manea (Cluj, 25 sel), midfielder Morutan (Ankaragücü, 15 sel) and striker Tanase (Al-Okhdood, 3 goals in 18 sel), who were all present during of the March gathering. If Manea and Tanase played too little at the end of the season for their respective clubs, Morutan suffered a serious knee injury at the end of April. The coach should have confidence in the strong men who allowed Romania to finish at the top of their Euro qualifying group. We are thinking in particular of the defense captain Dragusin (Tottenham, 17 sel), the defensive midfielder Ravzan Marin (Empoli, 55 sel) and Marius Marin (Pisa, 18 sel), and the attackers Puscas (Bari, 11 goals in 42 sel ) and Alibec (Muhaiter, 5 goals in 37 seasons). The latter, however, withdrew from his team's first match against Ukraine, and he is not sure he will be fit this Saturday. He is on the bench and it is Dragus (Gaziantep), author of an XXL performance (1 goal) who will still be responsible for replacing him. Note also the presence of the decisive double passer Dennis Man (Parma), who played the perfect shot to the Ukrainian defenders on the right side last Monday, and will be re-aligned by his coach.