Competition: UEFA Euro 2016
Fixture: Romania v Switzerland
Date: Wednesday, June 15, 2016
Venue: Parc des Princes
Kick-off: 1800 hours GMT
These two teams have faced each other a total of 12 times in the past and there is absolutely nothing that split them. They have won five each with the other two ending in a draw. Something of a dead heat! This game is huge given the context of the match and the fact that the winner has a good chance of going into the round of 16.
A win for either of the two will certainly boost their hopes of progressing from Group A. Given that Romania lost their opening game, they will look to change that in this match. A loss for them and they could be on their way out of the competition. The rules do state that four teams that finish third can go through, but with two losses out of two those chances look very grim.
We can expect Switzerland to win this game. A positive result for them will see them go uip to six points which will be enough to go through to the round of 16.
Romania’s form L-W-L-D-D
When we dig into the past between these sides, Romania have lost just one of their last four outings against the Swiss internationals. A win in this game makes the group more interesting. Romania who played well against the French will be keen to extend their run on Wednesday.
Anghel Lordanescu’s men will fancy their chances against Albania in the final group match, but can’t leave it up to fate. They missed a good many chances against a superior French team, but can take heart by knowing that they at least played well.
Lordanescu did mention that his players will find it tough to rest and be ready for the next game in quick time, however it cannot be used as an excuse.
Their players will have to improve on their finishing and tuck away those half chances. It takes a split second to determine the fate of the team.
On a normal day, they will find it hard to overcome the Swiss but everyone loves an upset in a competition of this magnitude, and a Romanian win would certainly be considered as an upset.
Switzerland’s form W-W-L-L-L
The Swiss team will be fairly well acquainted with their opponents as most of the squad participated in the recent encounter between the two back in May 2012. Romania won that match 1-0.
This particular stage, the second group match, has been a stumbling block for Switzerland. On the last three occasions, on a stage so large, they have lost their second group match. Given the form they showed against Albania, in spite of winning just 1-0, we could expect them to get rid of that jinx.
Vladimir Petkovic will ask his men to dig deep and encourage them to give their all in order to not leave anything for the last group game against the hosts of the Euro 2016, France.
Given that they are yet to get out of the group stages in this competition, a win and three points would be warmly welcomed by the management, fans and players.
When their team sheet is compared to that of Romania, they surely have an advantage. Their players are far more talented and have a number of game changers.
Team News and Key Players:
Switzerland:
Xherdan Shaqiri looked very strong in the first game that the Swiss won. In fact it was he who set up the goal with a wonderful lopping cross off a corner. We are well aware of his ability to cut in from the right flank and beat the defenders. He is pacey and his trickery is tough to handle. Petkovic will surely need him to be his live-wire self.
Romania:
Bogdan Stancu will be one that the Swiss defenders will have to be worry about. He found the back of the net in the previous game, albeit from the penalty spot. He did show signs of being a threat with a few chances that on another day he would surely have tucked away.
The Romanians will also look to Vlad Chiriches, their captain, for inspiration. He has the required experience to lead a team on this big stage, but will have to instil some major vigour in his troops.
Betting Advice:
If these teams do end up cancelling out each other, a draw is placed @ 11/5 with Bet365. Given that a loss of either side could prove devastating, they could adopt a conservative approach and hence the game could well be a draw.
Switzerland who have the bigger and better players should be able to win this game. A win for them is placed at 13/10 with William Hill.
If Shaqiri shows up in form, we can expect him to score a goal. To be an anytime goal scorer, he is placed at 9/4 with Bet365. With him having the responsibility of most s