The 2024 UEFA European Championship continues Saturday afternoon with Belgium and Romania in a crucial Group E clash. The group was flipped on its head during matchday one, so this is now a must-win for the No. 3 team in the FIFA World Rankings.
RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany plays host to this decisive duel. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m. CT (9 p.m. CET) on Saturday. Fox will have nationwide coverage in the United States. Let’s break down the odds.
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2024 UEFA European Championship preview: Belgium vs. Romania odds, prediction, best bet
To say that Belgium put on a lackluster performance on matchday one would be an understatement. De Rode Duivels suffered their first defeat since the 2022 World Cup against Slovakia, and now, elimination is staring them in the face. Domenico Tedesco will need his stars to step up now in this crucial contest.
Romania, meanwhile, defied all expectations in its first match. Tricolorii picked up their first win since November 2023 by drubbing Ukraine 3-0. Edward Iordanescu’s side has shown that it must be taken seriously as another positive result could be enough to get it to the Round of 16.
Let’s take a closer look at the odds and trends ahead of this highly anticipated UEFA European Championship clash:
Belgium vs. Romania
Time/TV: Saturday, June 22 at 2 p.m. CT (Fox)
Location: RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany
Moneyline: Belgium -200 | Draw +320 | Romania +600
Analysis: If you believed that all of the pressure would be on Belgium heading into this match and Romania would sit atop Group E, go ahead and buy a lottery ticket this evening.
Tricolorii were overlooked by many heading into this tournament, including myself. They don’t have an abundance of big-name talent or even experience in their ranks. However, this is a Romanian team that plays with pride and a sense of togetherness, which can trump the other qualities.
Iordanescu’s squad was more than happy to sit back, absorb pressure and hit back when opportunities arose against Ukraine. This strategy worked to perfection as Romania made the most of its chances. Nicolae Stanciu, Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus all found the back of the net with the team’s five shots on target — the definition of a clinical display.
This is exactly the type of style that Belgium doesn’t want to see again.
Luck was not on De Rode Duivels’ side against Slovakia. They didn’t struggle to create chances but rather finish them, as they ended up with multiple goals chalked off for various reasons.
Romelu Lukaku was the standout performer for all of the wrong reasons. His team provided him with great service, but for one reason or another, Belgium’s all-time leading scorer couldn’t find the back of the net with a clean goal. His positioning will need to be better against a disciplined Romanian defense if Tedesco’s side is to advance further in this tournament.
While I have developed immense respect for Romania and its positional discipline as a squad, there is too much quality in the Belgium team for De Rode Duivels to be held down for a second match in a row. Kevin De Bruyne, Jeremy Doku, Lukaku and Co. should be able to find a way to earn all three points.
Prediction: Belgium 2-1 Romania
Best bet: Belgium to win 2-1, 3-1 or 4-1 (+310 at FanDuel Sportsbook)