Croatia vs Romania Match Preview
The Croatia U21 team is set to face off against the Romania U21 team in a match that will wrap up their 2023 UEFA Euro U-21 Championship. Both sides have seen their quest for glory go up in smoke and have been eliminated after losing their opening two games without scoring a goal.
Croatia fell to a 1-0 defeat against tournament favourites Spain last week, while Romania fell to a defeat to Ukraine by the same scoreline in opposite circumstances.
Head-to-Head
This will be the second meeting between the two sides. They were paired in the group stage in 2019 when Romania claimed a 4-1 win to top the group en route to a memorable semifinal appearance.
Recent Form
Croatia U21 came into the tournament in good form but failed to live up to expectations. They have suffered a group-stage elimination for the second time in three tournaments. The Young Blazers will want to avoid a similar fate as the one they experienced in 2019 which saw them finish at the bottom of their group.
On the other hand, Romania U21’s elimination means they have nothing but pride left to play for. Their outing has been in sharp contrast to fellow co-hosts Georgia, who are flying high, and coach Emil Sandoi will hope his wards can give their compatriots something to celebrate as they bow out.
Team News
Croatia U21 suffered no major injuries in their 1-0 defeat to Spain U21, but head coach Dragan Skočić will make changes to his XI. Luka Stojković and Lukas Kačavenda – who have a combined 13 caps between them – came on as half-time substitutes last time out, so they could be among those to benefit from this reshuffle.
Romania U21 head coach Emil Săndoi may resist the temptation to change the backline that kept a clean sheet for 89 minutes against Ukraine U21 last time out. Victor Dican – the most capped player in that backline – conceded the goal that confirmed the Tricolours’ exit from this competition.
Prediction & Betting Tips
The two sides have struggled in attack and might lack serious motivation to go all out. We are backing the spoils to be shared in a low-scoring draw. The prediction is Croatia 1-1 Romania.
Combo Double chance: Croatia U21 or draw and +2.5 goals
