Romania and Albania go head-to-head on Sunday night in Group A of Euro 2016, with both teams seeking a win which could see them qualify for the last 16 of the competition.
In usual circumstances both teams would already be eliminated, but due to the four best third place teams going through to the knockout out stages both could theoretically make it through, depending on results elsewhere of course.
Romania have the better chance of making it through to the last 16, as they have at least collected a point from the group so. The one point recorded last time out in a 1-1 draw with Switzerland gave them a decent chance of making it to the knockout stages. Four points could be enough to make the knockout stages.
Albania have been highly-unfortunate not to have picked-up any points so far and even a win may not be enough to see them through. A win would put them on just three points, but depending on how other groups work out Gianni De Blasi’s team could still make it.
They have no choice but to go for the win after two very defensive-minded performances against the Swiss and the French. The Albanians have looked slightly limited going forward, which is not surprising considering the Eagles scored just ten goals in qualifying.
Romania will be favourites to record a victory in this clash and all the pressure will be on Anghel Iordanescu’s side. The Romanians should have enough quality to win this game, but after their opening displays against Switzerland and France it would be dangerous to write-off the Albanians in this one.