Date: October 11, 2014
Venue: Arena Nationala – Bucharest, Romania
Kick-off time: 18:00 CET
The Group F match between Romania and Hungary is the second match of this group. With no big team in this group, both these teams look at this as a wonderful opportunity to qualify for Euro 2016 in France.
Finland, Northern Ireland and Romania are all on 3 points after their first fixture wins. Hungary are at the bottom of the group with a surprise loss at home to Northern Ireland.
Romania form: W-L-W-D-D
Romania do not have a great history in competing at tournaments but see the relatively easier Group F as their chance to qualify. They overcome Greece by a solitary goal in Athens and will like to continue their form.
The match winner from the Greece fixture, Ciprian Marica is unavailable for the match after being sent off. The squad has seven players from Steaua Bucharest and should have no problems of co-ordination or rhythm.
Hungary form: L-W-W-D-L
Hungary were overwhelmingly disappointing in their opening fixture loss at home to Northern Ireland. The over dependence on midfielder Balazs Dzsudzsak showed up as his poor game extrapolated to the overall team performance.
The visitors are really hungry for a win and Pal Dardai expects his side to shrug off the opening day defeat.
Key Players
Romania: Lucian Sanmartean
The playmaker from Steaua is widely raved about by the Romanian fans. When he was out of the team, the fans even carried out a social campaign to get him back. He would want to make his chance count.
Hungary: Nemanja Nikolic
This Serbian-born striker is expected to take some weight off Balazs Dzsudzsak. A better return in this match could be expected. His partnership with Gergely Rudolf is vital for the visitors.
Betting Advice
A win is vital for both the sides considering the fact that Northern Ireland should win at home against Faroe Islands on Sunday. It should be a close game and may end as a draw with bet365 offering 3.6 for that result.
It should be a low-scoring game and less than 2.5 goals is at 1.6 with William Hill.