Fortunately for many sides in this Euro 2016, the competition got enlarged and instead of going directly to quarter finals this time we will have a round of 16. That's why Albania and Romania are still hopeful they can win this next Sunday and earn a spot in this stage of the tournament. Switzerland and France will attempt to get the first spot of Group A in the other match of the day, but this match will not be less interesting.
Albanian defender Grigore, is convinced that Romania can get that sweet third spot. He told the press that: "The defense is not just the goalkeeper and defenders but the whole team; equally, the attack is not only the forwards and offensive midfielders but also the players behind. It is our fault as well that the forwards have not received enough of a supply line."
On the Romanian side, Stancu knows how difficult this game will be: "We recognize how good the Albanians are, how committed they are and how physical their approach is. From this point of view, we have to be clever and tricky against them, because otherwise qualifying would become problematic. Not qualifying would be sad, terrible, horrible," he said.
The Albania manager is confident his team can defeat Romania and get to the next round no problem: "It will be life or death, one or the other. We can beat Romania to qualify. If we can score the goals, we haven't so far we can definitely get the points we need to get into the next round. We've shown we're a proper team and play good football."
Possible lineups:
Romania vs starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Tatarusanu; Sapunaru, Chiriches, Grigore, Rat; Prepelita, Pintilii; Torje, Stancu, Chipciu; Keseru.
Albania starting lineup (4-1-4-1 formation): Berisha; Hysaj, Ajeti, Mavraj, Agolli; Kukeli; Lila, Abrashi, Memushaj, Lenjani; Sadiku.
Photo credit: Albania Football