Romania vs Iceland
Romania’s hopes of qualifying for World Cup 2022 – which would be their first trip to the World Cup since 1998 – are still very much alive. They currently hold second place in Group J and would advance to the play-offs if they hold onto that spot over the last two games.
The first of those two crucial games will come at home against Iceland, whose World Cup 2022 odds to qualify are very slim.
The Icelanders have struggled in recent times, in part due to the absence of their key stars. And they will be without them again as they make the trip to Bucharest.
Talking Points
Romania closing in on play-off berth
Romania’s decades-long absence from the World Cup has a decent shot of ending next year. They are currently in second place in Group J and are in pole position to reach the play-offs over North Macedonia and Armenia, who are both on 12 points.
This relatively young generation of Romanians led by coach Mirel Radoi has not been all that exciting to watch – they have scored just 11 goals in qualifying – but they have been able to get the job done on the back of some strong defending.
The resolute Romanian defence – led by captain Vlad Chiriches – has allowed just eight goals in eight games, the second-best defensive record behind group leaders Germany.
Romania only lost 1-0 to the Germans at home and lost 2-1 in Germany last October. Those two goals are the only ones Romania have conceded in their last five qualifiers, which is quite impressive.
On the other end of the pitch, Romania are clearly lacking a reliable goalscorer. George Puscas, who plays for English club Reading, is the top striker on the squad has eight goals in 24 caps but has yet to score for his club this season.
Star midfielder Nicolae Stanciu and Ianis Hagi will have to provide some World Cup 2022 highlights for Romania to succeed. Stanciu has 11 goals in 52 caps for his country. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Hagi, the son of Romanian legend Gheorghe, is the team’s co-leading scorer in qualifying with two goals.
Romania will also rely on their strong home record to produce the result they need. They have won three of their four home games in qualifying, with their only loss coming against Germany.
Struggling Iceland still missing key stars
After making back-to-back major tournaments in 2016 and 2018, Iceland look set to miss their second big tournament in a row. They are currently in fifth in Group J, five points back of Romania, and are unlikely to make it to Qatar next year.
The Icelanders have been in decline over the last couple of years. They had a disastrous Nations League campaign which saw them lose all six games and were relegated to League B. They have also struggled in World Cup qualifying, with their only two wins coming against minnows Liechtenstein.
Since taking over in December 2020, Iceland coach Arnar Vidarsson has three wins, three draws, and five defeats in 11 games.
The absence of big stars such as Gylfi Sigurdsson and captain Aron Gunnarson in recent games has obviously been a massive blow. The two are set to miss out again, as will key midfielder Johan Berg Gudmundsson and top scorers Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (26 goals) and Alfred Finnbogason (15 goals).
Those absences leave Arnar Vidarsson with 31-year-old Vidar Orn Kjartansson (4 goals in 32 caps) as his top striker and 33-year-old Birkir Bjarnason (14 goals in 103 caps) as the top scorer in the squad.
History
This will be only the fifth time Romania and Iceland will face off in international football history.
The Romanians have won three of those four matches, with all three coming in World Cup qualifying. That includes their first meeting of this qualifying campaign, a 2-0 victory in Iceland thanks to goals from Dennis Man and Stanciu.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
Romania vs Iceland | 1X2 Romania @ 1.64 |
| November 12, 03:45 (GMT+8) |
SBOTOP odds have Romania installed as significant 1.64 favourites at home against Iceland, who are priced at 4.80. Meanwhile, a draw is at 3.55.
Based on both teams’ respective situations, it’s hard not to see Romania getting the win they need. The Romanians have home advantage and clear motivation, while Iceland have missing stars and not much left to play for in this qualifying campaign.
With those factors in mind, I fully expect Romania to win and keep their dreams of qualifying for Qatar alive.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
= €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
