Romania – Iceland : Preview & Prediction
Romania and Iceland play at Arena Naţională, in a World Cup Qualifier – Europe (Group Stage) match. The record of head-to-head confrontations for the last 3 years between the two teams couldn’t be more balanced, as there was 1 victory for each team in the last 2 times they met. Special attention is needed for the home/away condition, as both teams have significantly different results in their home and away matches.
After 4 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses, the home team is currently in the 2nd position, with 13 points won. In the last match, they won by (1‑0) at home against Armenia, after having lost by (2‑1) in an away match against Germany in the previous match. This is a stronger team when they play at their stadium, as in the last 30 matches they register 5 wins, 3 draws and 7 losses in away matches; against 8 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses in their stadium. In the last 4 home matches for the World Cup – Europe Qualifiers, Romania has won 3 and lost 1. Their offense has scored consistently, as they have managed to score in 6 of the last 8 matches for this competition. In the last 6 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have scored 3 of their 7 goals between minutes (16’‑30′).
Romania comes for this match after a 1-0 win against Romania, putting an end to the two straight games without a win in this qualifying phase for the 2022 World Cup: the only goal of the match was scored by Alexandru Mitrita. Coach Mirel Radoi usually works in a 4-3-3 tactical system, favoring a more offensive style of play: Nicolae Stanciu is the great conductor of this team. Right wing Ianis Hagi is the highlight of this team, being one of the best scorers with 2 goals scored. For this game, the coach does not have Valentin Mihaila due to suspension.
The away team is currently in the 5 th position of the league, with 8 points won, after 2 wins, 2 draws and 4 losses. In the last match, they won by (4‑0) at home against Liechtenstein, after having tied by (1‑1) at home to Armenia in the previous match. This is a stronger team when they play at their stadium, as in the last 30 matches they register 4 wins, 2 draws and 9 losses in away matches; against 7 wins, 2 draws and 6 losses in their stadium. Their last away match was for the National friendlies and ended in a draw by (2‑2) against Poland. In the last 10 away matches Iceland has won 2, drawn 1 and lost 7.
For this competition, you don’t win 4 games. Defensive consistency hasn’t been their best feature, as they have conceded goals in 7 of the last 8 matches for this competition. In their away games there is a tendency to have goals, as 9 out of 12 ended with Over 2.5 goals on the scoreboard. This is a team that rarely scores first and that only managed to open the score in 2 of their last 8 matches in the World Cup – Europe Qualifiers, of these 2 they reached halftime ahead of all and won at the end of the 90′ in all. In 8 matches for this competition, they have never been able to turn the score around in the 6 matches they have conceded the first goal. In the last 12 away matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have conceded 9 of their 24 goals between minutes (76’‑90′).
Iceland comes for this match after a 4-0 win against Liechtenstein, putting an end to four straight games without a win in this qualifying phase for the World Cup 2022: the team’s goals were scored by Albert Gudmundsson (2) , Andri Gudjohnsen and Stefan Teitur Thórdarson. In this match against Romania, coach Arnar Vidarsson should favor the low block and counterattacks, making the best use of the space behind the opponent’s back. Albert Gudmundsson is Iceland’s biggest standout with 2 goals and 1 assist. For this game, the visiting coach can count on the usual players.
Romania – Iceland : Betting Tips
Romania – Win Odds: 1.65
Both teams to score / YES – Odds: 1.70
Over 2.5 Goals – Odds: 1.70
