Slovakia face Romania in the final fixture of Group E and it is all to play for as all four teams are level on points as they look to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2024.
Slovakia began their Euro 2024 campaign with one of the biggest shocks in tournament history, defeating Belgium 1-0.
Ivan Schranz, the goalscorer, was impressive with four passes into the final third, creating three chances, and scoring the game's decisive goal. Additionally, Milan Skriniar and David Hancko were solid at the back.
The Sokoli then travelled to the Dusseldorf Arena where they were defeated 1-0 by Ukraine courtesy of a Roman Yaremchuk winner.
With potentially just one point needed, Francesco Calzona's side will be determined to qualify for the Euro knockout stages for just the second time as an independent nation.
On the other hand, Romania began their Euro campaign with an emphatic 3-0 win over Ukraine that saw the Tricolorii come firing out of the blocks to top Group E.
Captain Nicolae Stanciu curled in a stunner before his midfield partner Raznav Marin secured the points for Romania. This midfield duo has been crucial for Romania, acting as the engine and heartbeat of the team.
The right-sided pair of Andrei Ratiu and Dennis Man have also gained praise within the tournament for their dynamism and pace on the wing.
However, the Romanians met a motivated Belgium side on Saturday as the Red Devils put two into Florin Nita's goal and leveled out the group.
Edward Iordanescu's side will understand the challenge coming into this game, but will be full of confidence after a fine Euro campaign so far.
-
Team News
Similarly to the Tricolorii, Slovakia come into their final group game without any major injury concerns.
However, the only doubt is that defender David Hancko may not feature after being subbed off in the 67th minute against Ukraine due to a hamstring problem.
Other than Hancko's potential absence, Calzona looks set to name the same lineup for the third consecutive match.
Romania come into the final fixture of their Group E campaign without any injury concerns, and Edward Iordănescu will have a full squad to choose from.
The Tricolorii are likely to begin this match unchanged from previous games against Ukraine and Belgium.
-
Predicted Lineups
Slovakia: (Likely Formation 4-3-3)
Dubravka; Pekarik, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Kucka, Lobotka, Duda; Schranz, Bozenik, Haraslin
Romania: (Likely Formation: 4-1-4-1)
Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M Marin; Man, R Marin, Stanciu, Mihalia; Dragus
-
Key Players
Slovakia - Ivan Schranz
Slovakia's top tournament goalscorer and Euro 2024's joint top scorer, Ivan Schranz has been crucial to Slovakia's attack.
The 30-year-old SK Slavia Prague winger was the match winner in Slovakia's historic 1-0 victory over Belgium and has scored two goals in two Euro games.
Schranz has been impressive in both fixtures, even in Slovakia's defeat, and is both creative and clinical in front of goal.
In his two tournament appearances, Schranz has made 67 touches, recording 2.07 xG on target, 82.6% pass accuracy, three chances created, and six touches in the opposition box.
Surprisingly, Schranz has also won 100% of his tackles in the tournament, also making two interceptions, showing his involvement in the opposite side of the game and when supporting his full-back.
For Slovakia to be creative and for their attack to prosper, Schranz will have to be the key, and the 30-year-old will be motivated to help his nation qualify for Euro 2024's knockout stages.
The captain and the orchestrator of the Romanian midfield, Stanciu has had a fantastic Euro 2024 campaign.
The 31-year-old currently plays his football in Saudi Arabia for Damac FC after previously applying his trade for Sparta Prague, RSC Anderlecht, and Steau Bucharest.
Stanciu has been Romania's attacking figurehead - recording a 78.3% passing accuracy, 60% cross accuracy, and scoring one goal in 177 tournament minutes.
The midfielder has made 71 appearances for his country, scoring 15 times, and will need to be on top form for his country to qualify for the knockout stages.
Stanciu will be crucial in unlocking the surrounding Romanian talent of Dennis Man and Valentin Mihalia.
-
Match Details
Where is the match being played?
This fixture will be played at the Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
What time is kick-off?
Kick-off is at 17:00 BST on Wednesday 26th June 2024.
How can I watch?
The game will be televised live in the UK on BBC Two, with coverage beginning at 4.45pm. UK fans will also be able to tune in live online on BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer.
