Ahead of their Group A clash in Lyon on Sunday, Romania and Albania UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
ALBANIA – Xhulian Kllogjeri (Accountant, Dubai)
As we head into what may be our last game at Euro 2016, Albania have much to be proud of. We have demonstrated that the team is growing in confidence and we are becoming a very strong unit that is not afraid to face anyone.
The first match against Switzerland went wrong for us and had we not had Lorik Cana sent off, I really believe we would have at least drawn the game and maybe even won. The second match against France went really well too… until the 89th minute.
We still have a chance to progress but it will be very difficult against Romania, who have shown themselves to be a very good, organised team. Cana is also available again for this match and hopefully our coach Gianni De Biasi will prepare the team to attack a little more as we really have nothing to lose.
PREDICTION: Albania 1-0 Romania
LIKELY ALBANIA XI: Berisha, Hysaj, Mavraj, Cana, Agolli, Lila, Memushaj, Xhaka, Abrashi, Lenjani, Cikalleshi.
ALBANIA PLAYER TO WATCH: Ledian Memushaj – He has replaced Burim Kukeli as the key man in the midfield to create chances and organises things in the middle – providing the key link between defence and attack.
ROMANIA PLAYER TO FEAR: Bogdan Stancu – We had better not give away a penalty! Stancu has scored a spot-kick in each group game so far and, aside from his accuracy from 12 yards, he has proven himself to be a very strong player who can cause problems for any defence.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: Velocity at the JW Mariott Marquis in Business Bay.
Mrs. Maria Cornea is maybe the oldest #ROU fan at the #EURO2016. In October she will turn 90 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/BR28Tuj4To
— UEFA EURO 2016 (@UEFAEURO) June 19, 2016
ROMANIA – Mihai Leolea (Student, Abu Dhabi)
Romania are chasing the victory we need to qualify for the last-16 and I think it’s fair to say that we’ve been unlucky in our first two games. If we’d held our nerve we would have drawn with France and beaten Switzerland, which would have left us already through and feeling a lot more comfortable ahead of this final game.
We lacked a bit of creativity in midfield last time out against the Swiss so hopefully that will be rectified against Albania, who are a limited side that can definitely be exploited. It’s been 15 games and 68 years since we lost to Albania and I’m fully expecting that run to continue.
PREDICTION: Albania 0-2 Romania
LIKELY ROMANIA XI: Tătăruşanu; Săpunaru, Chiricheş, Grigore, Raţ; Pintilii, Hoban; A. Popa, N. Stanciu, B. Stancu; Fl. Andone
ROMANIA PLAYER TO WATCH: Bogdan Stancu – Looking for his third goal in three games, he has been red-hot from the spot. And with Romania favourites, Stancu is expected to score.
ALBANIA PLAYER TO WATCH: Lorik Cana – The Albania skipper is back and will definitely be a vital reinforcement for their defence. Hopefully we will still have enough to get the better of him.
WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME: ON42 at Media One Hotel in Dubai
