Belgium vs Romania: Preview, lineups and predictions?

According to FIFA World Rankings, Belgium suffered the biggest upset in the history of the European Championships when losing 1-0 to Slovakia in their opening Group E test. A massive 45 places separate the two nations (3rd vs 48th) on the global leaderboard, and never before has such a gap been overcome by the underdogs.

After such a disastrous and headline-making defeat, Belgium needs to quickly regroup and return to winning ways on Saturday. It will be a particularly big test of Domenico Tedesco’s credentials, as it was his first defeat as Belgium’s manager. The Italian would no doubt love an easy three points here, but Romania demonstrated they mean business this tournament during their impressive 3-0 win over Ukraine.

• Location: Cologne
• Stadium: Cologne Stadium (RheinEnergieStadion)
• Date: 22 June 2024
• Kick-off Time: 21:00 CEST (20:00 BST)
• Referee: Szymon Marciniak (POL)
• VAR: Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL)

Belgium Team News

Tedesco made the slightly unusual decision to bring only 25 players with him to Germany rather than the maximum permitted 26. The injury to Thomas Meunier means the Italian will only have 24 players to consider for this game. Speaking about the right back in the Slovakia pre-match press conference, he stated the Trabzonspor player was still 10 days away from full fitness. This upcoming clash will, therefore, be too soon for him. However, he is in contention for Belgium’s final group-stage game.

The only other possible absentee for this game is Axel Witsel. He skipped Tuesday’s team training session in order to do some individual work on his injured groin.

Romania Team News

‘Golden Generation’ is a term often bandied about, particularly in international football. But it is not something Edward Iord?nescu wants anything to do with. Instead, he branded his squad the ‘Generation of the Soul’ as they play with heart and determination. Understandably, the Romania manager was full of praise for his team after the 3-0 win over Ukraine. The game saw no players collect an injury, so Iord?nescu once again has a full 26-man squad at his disposal.

Belgium vs Romania H2H Record and Key Numbers

The previous 12 clashes between these countries have produced two draws, five Belgian victories and five Romanian victories. They’ve never met in this competition though, not even qualification, as all but two previous clashes have been friendlies.

Belgium’s loss against Slovakia was their first since the 2022 World Cup, so the bitter taste of defeat is not something they experience very often. This is also true of Romania, mind you, a nation that has shown great strides forward under Iord?nescu. After a shaky start under their current manager, the Tricolorii have now only lost one of their last 16 matches. It’s a surprisingly impressive record for a country ranked 46th in the world.

Possible Lineups

• Belgium (4-3-3): Casteels – Castagne, Faes, Vertonghen, Theate – Onana, Mangala, De Bruyne – Doku, Lukaku, Bakayoko
• Romania (4-1-4-1): Ni?? – Ra?iu, Dr?gu?in, Burc?, Bancu – M Marin – Man, R Marin, Stanciu, Coman – Dragu?

Where to Watch Belgium vs Romania Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming

This match will be live on VRT 1 in Belgium and Pro TV in Romania. Viewers in the UK can catch the action on ITV and STV (in Scotland).

Belgium vs Romania Match Prediction

Belgium are the strong favourites for this tie. Although we will back them for the win, it is unlikely to be a comfortable three points. Romania are a tough side to beat, and they played superbly in their opening 3-0 win over Ukraine. Iord?nescu’s side will certainly not be intimidated by the challenge ahead. The excellent Radu Dr?gu?in should help keep Lukaku relatively quiet. You have to think Belgian pressure will pay off eventually, though, as it should have done against Slovakia. As such, I am backing the Red Devils to win 1-0.

*Odds are subject to change

More Belgium – Romania predictions can be found on our special tipsters page for this game.