Romania defied the Euro 2024 odds as they beat Ukraine in their opening match at the final tournament in Germany.
Was it a one-time hit or is there more to it? Romania's match against Belgium on June 22 is surely one to look out for, and I have Belgium vs. Romania predictions and Euro 2024 picks for this can't-miss contest.
Belgium vs Romania picks, predictions, and betting tips
My best bet:
Romania to win or draw (+175 at Betano)
My analysis
Domenico Tedesco inherited a team low on confidence, as Belgium left the World Cup in 2022 after the group stage. Under Tedesco, Belgium rebuilt momentum.
Before their defeat against Slovakia, they managed to stay unbeaten for 14 matches (10W, 4D) with the German coach in charge. But the game against Slovakia showed liabilities especially related to creativity and tactics.
Tedesco made some bizarre choices before and during the match, which provoked the fans and the media to question him. It's fair to say that flair wasn't on his side. Yannick Carrasco was used at left-back, Leandro Trossard played 74 minutes despite not being at his best, and in-form Lois Openda was left to warm up until the 84 minute before eventually replacing Jeremy Doku.
Romania learned how to play matches against stronger opposition and enjoys it. During the qualifying campaign, Edward Iordănescu's side managed to stay unbeaten in 10 games despite coming fresh from a dismal Nations League campaign that saw them get relegated to the third-tier League C.
What changed? Iordănescu re-organized the national team from scratch, insufflating the group with a club mentality. He counted on the same players as part of the squad's core, even though that made his critics blame him for not calling the most in-form players to the national team.
The key moment for the creation of this Romanian team we now see at the Euros is the 2-2 draw with Switzerland in June last year. Romania were heavily dominated and trailing by two goals late in the second half of their qualifier clash. But two counters in the dying moments of the match helped them get an unexpected point. Since then, the team has been reborn. The Romanians find it hard to be creative in front of teams considered to be inferior to them but manage to show their best version when they are outsiders.
Before beating Ukraine, Romania's only previous clean sheet in a match at the Euros was a 0-0 draw vs. France in 2008. Heading into the clash against Belgium, Romania have now kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 official games. Even against Ukraine, their possession stats have not surpassed 29%, but that didn't prevent them from controlling play from a tactical perspective.
In the press conference that followed their game vs. Ukraine, Iordănescu asked the media not to compare the current generation to the one led by legendary midfielder Gheorghe Hagi in the '90s.
"This is not a new golden generation. Let's not attach any metal to it. It's just the generation of the soul," Iordănescu told the press.
He believes that an average group of players can still do extraordinary things if well-assembled and hungry. And I tend to think this Romania team is only at the beginning of an interesting adventure in Germany.
Romelu Lukaku odds, prop for today
My best bet
2+ shots on target (+105 at Betano)
My analysis
Romelu Lukaku is one of the top goal-scorers in international football as he netted 85 times for Belgium in just 116 caps. But the 31-year-old didn't find it easy to score against Slovakia.
He had two goals ruled out by VAR on three attempts, two of which were on target. Against Romania, judging by the structure of their defensive block, Lukaku is expected to be involved heavily once more. A bet on two or more shots on target at +105 looks like a great option.
Belgium vs Romania same-game parlay (SGP)
Romania to win or draw
Romelu Lukaku 2+ shots on target
Romania Over 2.5 corners
Belgium are expected to have the ball a lot and trouble Romanian keeper Florin Niță. With Ukraine winning the match against Slovakia, the pressure is mounting on Belgium to get a result. Should they win over Romania, all the teams in Group E will be tied at three points heading into the last round of matches. Everything is still to be played for in this group.
Romania will aim to hit on the counter and from set-pieces. Against Ukraine, they had four corners (vs. eight), with one of them inches close to making history at the Euros. Captain Nicolae Stanciu tried to surprise Ukrainian keeper Andriy Lunin by shooting directly on goal from the corner spot. The ball had great speed and took the right effect. Lunin couldn't stop it, but the crossbar saved him. The Romanians know set-pieces can play a huge role in the outcome of a game against superior opposition. So expect them to try and produce as many static moments as possible within the match.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
The Beautiful Game Lives at Betano this Summer
Make your plays with one of Ontario's best sportsbooks, as Betano offers a wide variety of markets — and same-game parlays — covering every major national and club competition.
The game starts now!
Learn more by reading our comprehensive Betano sportsbook review.
Belgium vs Romania odds
| Belgium | Romania | |
|---|---|---|
| -200 | Moneyline | +630 |
| Over 2.5 (-139) | Total | Under 2.5 (+112) |
| +355 | Draw | +355 |
Odds courtesy of Betano on 6-21.
Belgium vs Romania game info
| Location: | Cologne Stadium, Cologne, Germany |
| Date: | Saturday, June 22, 2024 |
| Time: | 3:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
| Weather: | 68F, 8 mph winds, 20% PoP, if retractable roof is open |
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Covers may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or betting site.
