UEFA Euro 2024 Group Stage
23 June, 2024 - Indian Date
Cologne Stadium
MATCH TIMES
India
12:30 AM
UAE
11:00 PM
Saudi Arabia
9:45 PM
FULL TIME
Belgium possible starting lineup: Casteels; Castagne, Debast, Faes, Theate; Tielemans, Onana; Doku, De Bruyne, Trossard; Lukaku
Romania possible starting lineup: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; R. Marin, M. Marin, Stanciu; Man, Dragus, Mihaila
Match Preview
Belgium, still reeling from a shocking defeat to Slovakia, face a buoyant Romania in their second Group E match of Euro 2024 on Saturday evening. Domenico Tedesco's side suffered a 1-0 loss in their opening game, while Romania secured a stunning 3-0 victory over Ukraine, putting them in a prime position to qualify for the knockout stages in Cologne.
Belgium's match against Slovakia quickly turned into a nightmare as Ivan Schranz scored just seven minutes in. The Red Devils were further frustrated when Romelu Lukaku had two goals disallowed, one for offside and another for a handball by Lois Openda, as confirmed by VAR. This marked Belgium's first defeat since their World Cup loss to Morocco in 2022, and Tedesco's first loss as manager. Belgium, now on a 15-match unbeaten streak until this defeat, find themselves third in Group E, only above Ukraine on goal difference.
Belgium's position could worsen if Slovakia beats Ukraine on Friday, potentially eliminating Belgium's chances of topping the group before their weekend match. Historically, Belgium hasn't lost multiple matches in a European Championship since Euro 2000, and they've never lost their first two games in a major tournament since the 1930 World Cup. This puts significant pressure on them ahead of their clash with Romania, whose morale is high following their impressive victory.
Romania's unexpected 3-0 win against Ukraine saw standout performances and crucial errors from Ukraine's goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, which contributed to long-range goals from Nicolae Stanciu and Razvan Marin, and a final touch by Denis Dragus. This victory not only marked Romania's biggest win in Euros history but also put them at the top of Group E, with a knockout round qualification within reach.
The Tricolours have shown consistent form leading up to Euro 2024, with only one defeat in their last 16 matches—a 3-2 loss to Colombia in a friendly. Romania has now kept three consecutive clean sheets and looks to maintain their momentum against Belgium, whom they defeated 2-1 in their last meeting in a 2012 friendly.
A win for Romania at the RheinEnergieStadion would secure their place in the knockout stages with a game to spare, a remarkable achievement considering their previous Euro campaigns. This match promises to be a crucial test for both teams, with Belgium needing a win to stay in contention and Romania looking to continue their impressive run.