Romania-Israel and Kosovo-Switzerland are two matches on the fifth day of Group I of Euro 2024 qualifiers and are played Saturday at 8:45 p.m.: predictions.
Everything to be decided in Group I where behind leading Switzerland – and favorites for first place – a thrilling duel between Romania and Israel for second place looms.
Ahead, at the moment, is Edward Iordanescu’s Tricolorii, but the margin of advantage over the Israelis is minimal (only one point) and in the direct clash in Bucharest an overtaking could take place. The Romanians have so far got the better of the two weakest selections in the group, Andorra and Belarus, drawn 0-0 with Kosovo and stopped Switzerland on the road (2-2). They are unbeaten for six official matches and against Israel, in their last three previous matches, they have never lost: the record is two wins and one draw, three matches in which the total number of goals was never less than two. The Israeli national team, which is chasing its first participation in the final phase of the European championship, has a similar roster to Romania – the only victories came against Belarus and Andorra – but unlike the Tricolorii in Switzerland, it failed to avoid defeat.
Between Kosovo and Switzerland it is almost a “derby “
Not just another challenge the one between Kosovo and Switzerland. Which we could almost call a “derby”, considering that in the Swiss selection there are several players of Kosovo origin, as is evident from the surnames of some of them, starting with captain Xhaka.
Xhaka
The hosts give the impression that they are already out of the game after three draws against Israel, Romania and Andorra and a very painful defeat against Belarus. Only three points in their pockets after the first four games, a haul that for now does not allow them to keep up with the others. Losing even to Switzerland, the strongest selection in the group, would almost give Muriqi and co. the coup de grâce. The Swiss, for their part, by winning could take advantage of the fact that the two pursuers, Romania and Israel, will take points off each other (at the moment Switzerland has a two-point lead over the Romanians). The Swiss national team started its campaign with three wins in a row only to be forced into a draw by Romania (2-2) last June.
The Prediction
Romania slightly favored but this is a very delicate match, a direct clash that could be decisive in the race for second place. Wanting to find another cue, the advice is to go for goals. Both have not disappointed in terms of scoring and there are the conditions to witness a prolific match, from at least three goals in total.
Romania-Israel likely lineups
- ROMANIA (4-3-3): Moldovan; Manea, Dragusin, Burca, Camora; Screciu, R. Marin, Stanciu; Hagi, Puscas, Coman.
- ISRAEL (4-3-3): Glazer; Dasa, Goldberg, Shlomo, Revivo; Safouri, Peretz, Abu Fani; Solomon, Weissman, Abada.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 2-1
