Euro 2024 Preview, Prediction and Outside Bets
Group A Group B Group C Group D Group E Group F
Romania
Romania raised more than just a few eyebrows on the international stage as Edward Iordanescu's side finished top of their qualifying Group I and five points ahead of runners-up Switzerland thanks to six wins and four draws as Tricolorii remained unbeaten throughout their Euro 2024 campaign.
Draws and wins against their nearest rivals in the group, Switzerland and Israel, not only kept the other nations at arms length but also gave Romania confidence that they can compete in this upcoming Group E in the upcoming Euro 2024 finals in what looks like being a shoot-out between themselves, Ukraine and Slovakia to join Belgium into the knockout rounds.
Ukraine
Ukraine continue to defy not only the footballing odds but also the ongoing conflict with Russia but although the national team were drawn with European powerhouses, England and Italy, in their qualifying Group C, Serhiy Rebrov's side only just missed out to runners-up Italy by the narrowest of margins and goal difference.
A third place finish meant Ukraine had to qualify through the play-offs in Path B via the Nations League route which they duly did by recording wins against Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 away and a 2-1 'home' win against Iceland to earn their place in these finals in Germany, while it's worth noting that The Blue & Yellow held both England and Italy to draws during the qualifying phase.
Belgium
Belgium will head into the Euro 2024 finals in Germany as hot favourites to win Group E and to progress deep into this tournament despite the national team being in the middle of a transition in terms of personnel, and the Red Devils emerged victorious in their qualifying Group F although they were pushed all the way by runners-up, Austria.
Six wins and two draws underlined Belgium’s progress under national coach Domenico Tedesco, and the new generation looks like a balanced blend of experienced campaigners like De Bruyn and Lukaku being complemented by the likes of upcoming stars such as Onana and Doku.
The Belgians will also be keen to set the record straight after a disappointing World Cup in Qatar.
Slovakia
Slovakia could well emerge as the 'dark horses' in this upcoming Group E as Francesco Calzona's side finished runners-up behind their qualifying Group J winners, Portugal, but edging out the likes of an ever-improving Luxembourg as well as Iceland and Bosnia & Herzegovina to take their place in the Euro 2024 finals.
Despite losing home and away to Portugal, Slovakia recorded home and away wins against Iceland and Bosnia & Herzegovina during qualification, while the bigger picture shows The Falcons have slipped to just three defeats in their last 15 internationals in all competitions and will be tough to beat.
Group E Predictions
With Belgium being overwhelming favourites in this group, it looks like being a three-horse race for the runners-up spot.
Ukraine's resilience and Slovakia's well-organised set-up could be too much for Romania during the group stage.
Therefore, our main bet will be Slovakia to qualify from Group E @ 1.90
Other side bets:
Romania fail to qualify from Group E @ 2.20
