Euro 2024 - Day 13 Tips: Last Throw Of The Dice For Lukaku and co

The group stages of Euro 2024 come to a conclusion on Wednesday, as the final four matches decide the last few teams that will make the knockout stages of the tournament.

First up is Group E which could not be any tighter, as Romania, Belgium, Slovakia and Ukraine all go into their crucial concluding games tied on three points apiece.

Then later on in the evening Group F comes to a close, with Turkey, Czech Republic and Georgia all looking to join the table toppers Portugal in the last-16 of the competition.

Tip 1 - Slovakia vs Romania - Romania draw no bet @ 21/20

Slovakia had a place in the knockout stages within their grasp when 1-0 up against Ukraine, only to eventually lose 2-1. Now their manager Francesco Calzona must rally his troops again, with his side currently third in the group table.

Romania followed their 3-0 win over Ukraine with a 2-0 defeat to Belgium. They lost to the superior side, but created chances to equalise when only a goal down, so should come into this game with some confidence.

Only Belgium and the in-form South American side Colombia have beaten Romania in their last 17 games and Edward Iordanescu’s side have kept 10 clean sheets during that period. Though a draw would see them through, the Romanians have the quality to win this one.

With the draw being rated as the likeliest result, there is a big price available for Romania. While it is tempting to simply back them to win, playing cautiously is the safer move in these circumstances.

Tip 2 - Ukraine vs Belgium - Belgium to score in both halves @ 6/4

Belgium looked back to their best against Romania, which could be bad news for a Ukrainian side that have already stared elimination in the face, only to find a way to salvage some hope.

Having lost their opening game 3-0, Ukraine looked doomed at 1-0 down against Slovakia, but second-half goals from Mykola Shaparenko and Roman Yaremchuk secured victory.

Yet though Ukraine’s second performance was much better, it was not convincing, with Slovakia having more possession and shots. If that is the case against Belgium, they will surely be punished, with Kevin De Bruyne having run the show against Romania.

Romelu Lukaku’s wait for a Euro 2024 goal goes on, but he too looked much sharper in his second appearance at this tournament and Belgium look set to have too much for the Ukrainians.

Tip 3 - Czech Republic vs Turkey - Over 2.5 goals @ 22/25

Turkey are currently second in Group F off the back of having made a winning start in this tournament against Georgia. Yet they were well beaten by Portugal, who highlighted their weaknesses.

Already up against a superior team, the Turks showed a flair for self-sabotage in the 3-0 defeat, with a mix up between Samet Akaydin and his goalkeeper, resulting in an own goal, which effectively ended the match as a contest.

Considering that Turkey allowed Georgia plenty of chances in their opening match, it does not seem like Vincenzo Montella’s team are in any way equipped to play for a draw. Their most talented players are attackers, with Arda Guler set to return for this match.

The Czech Republic also presented Georgia with lots of opportunities and could have lost their match in the dying seconds, but were spared by the minnows’ wayward finishing. With the Czechs needing a win, goals seem guaranteed.

Tip 4 - Georgia vs Portugal - Portugal to win half-time/full-time @ 49/50

Georgia’s first major international tournament has been a success whatever happens in this match, which is probably for the best considering the task that they have ahead of them.

Willy Sagnol’s team realistically need a win to progress to the knockout stages and though miracles happen, it is hard to see them beating the talented Portuguese, even if their manager Roberto Martinez rotates as heavily as expected.

With Portugal having already won Group F, this looks like a great opportunity to give game time to the squad as a whole. Those players will be eager to show why they should be trusted with more minutes in the tournament, so should not lack motivation.

Portugal looked a much better side in the 4-3-3 formation that Martinez fielded in the win against Turkey. With so much attacking quality in their squad, even the second-string should comfortably claim victory.