This year's European Group E is a complicated one, with Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine tied on three points, a 66-year record. If tonight's matches (Slovakia vs. Romania and Ukraine vs. Belgium) end in a draw, the four teams will be tied at four points. If the scores are the same, the winner will be determined by the goal difference, and Ukraine is currently at the bottom of the table with a -2. In the 1994 World Cup, Mexico, Ireland, Italy, and Norway were also tied with 4 points in the group stage, but with 0 goals scored or conceded, and Norway was in last place due to a lack of goals scored!
Slovakia and Romania are in a battle for survival. If the two teams shake hands and make a draw tonight, they can advance together. As of this writing, the odds for a draw in the Soccer Bet are only 2.09 times, which is quite attractive. And since the two teams have not won or lost in their past three meetings, we can boldly predict a draw. (Now 619 live at 0am on Thursday)
Tied for promotion together
In the other matchup between Ukraine and Belgium, Romania, the current group leaders, and Slovakia, right behind them, will not have to worry about finishing at the bottom of the table if the Slovaks can keep four points tonight. Considering that the third-place finishers in Groups A and B have less than four points, the two teams are expected to advance together tonight.
Looking back at the recent performances of the two teams, Slovakia took the lead at one point in the match, but ended up losing to Ukraine 2-1. In the last round, they lost two consecutive matches despite the victory. Slovakia will have to tighten up their defense in tonight's match. Romania beat Ukraine 3-0 in the first round, but lost to Belgium in the last round. Nevertheless, they seem to be slightly better in terms of performance. In the last 7 meetings between the two sides, Romania has won 3, drawn 4 and is unbeaten, with 3 of the last 4 meetings ending in draws. Since the probability of a draw is high, we might as well go for this one.
