Preview & Betting Tip
Hungary - Romania As things stand now, this is the match that could decide about the second place in the group. The Dutch are probably untouchable, and both Hungarians and Romanians have been defeated by them at home. They both have won Turkey, so they share the second place with the same number of points. Hungarians are better for only one goal, and it is interesting that both selections didn’t receive a goal in two previous matches. So far, they met each other six times and Romania won five times, each time without receiving a goal, while Hungary drew only once it was all the way back in 1998. Begins: 22.03.2013 – 20:30 CET
Hungary
Hungary can be very happy with the beginning of these qualifications, because they won three times with one home defeat from the Netherlands, which could have been realistically expected. That is why Turkey was knocked down with 3-1 in Budapest, and that happened right in the last round, while both games against weaker opponents, Andorra and Estonia, Hungary have routinely won, albeit the one in Tallinn with much more difficulties. What may concern the selector Egervari are the last two friendlies. They haven’t won once, and in the first match played at their home stadium were defeated by Norway 2-0, while against Belarus just over a month ago in an away game drew 1-1. A little excuse could be that in that match there were absent some standard players in the team, like Szalai, Gere, Huszti and Juhacsz, but the bigger problem for the incoming match is that there will be no midfielder Husztia Hanover, who is in the form of his life, because of the injury as well as stopper Juhacsz and experienced midfielder Gere. The first scorer of the selection and Mainz striker Szalai returns and he is the greatest hope for Hungary.
Probable lineups Hungary: Bogdan – Vanczak, Korcsmar, Meszaros, Kadar – Varga, Elek, Koman, Hajnal – Dzsudzsak, Szalai
Romania
Romanians have a more favourable situation than the Hungarians, because they won Turkey 1-0 in an away game, and it is their most valuable result so far. Andorra and Estonia clearly were not a big problem, while against the Dutch, however, could not compete. But in the two friendly matches after the one with the Dutch have won. Especially valuable was the match against Belgium in Bucharest that ended 2-1, given that the opponent was very strong. They won Australia after turnaround in the game with3-2, and played one match with a completely changed team against the Polish when they were defeated with 4-1, but none of the players that compete for this match have played. Selector Piturca have a lot of problems ahead of this match because of the absence of some important players. First of all, striker Marica cannot play because of the injury, as well as the duo from Steaua, the left midfielder Latovlevici and centre midfielder Chipciu. Fortunately, the midfielder Maxim has recovered and in the team is again the experienced striker Mutu, who will likely start from the bench.
Probable lineups Romania: Tatarusanu – Tamas, Chiriches, Goian, Rat – Bourceanu, Pintilii – Torje, Maxim, Grozav – Stancu
Hungary – Romania
With a defeat Hungarians would almost lost chances for capturing the second place, so they will do anything to win, while the Romanians would be satisfied with a draw. It is quite likely that the game will end with a draw, and finally we give a slight advantage to the host.
Better's Tip: AH 0 Hungary
Stake: 4/10
Odd: 1.85
