Will Rangnick’s team take the next step?
On Sunday, Austria, who remain unbeaten in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, are away to Romania. With the group leaders facing the third-placed team, there is a lot at stake for both sides. While the visitors could take a huge step towards their first World Cup appearance since 1998 with an away win, the Eastern Europeans also desperately need points in the battle for a playoff spot. Bosnia’s slip-up in Cyprus means that the race for second place is wide open again.
If you believe the bookmakers, the fight for first place in the group is less open. With three match days to go, the Red-White-Reds already have almost a match point in their hands. An away win in Romania would mean that a single point in the final two qualifying games against Cyprus and Bosnia would be enough to book their ticket to North America.
However, Mircea Lucescu’s men will not make it easy for them. Even though the 2024 European Championship quarterfinalists have disappointed in qualifying so far, they have the best squad in Group H after the Alpine republic. Even if a win over the group leaders, who are in outstanding form, is unlikely, a bet on a draw between Romania and Austria could be worthwhile. This would put the Eastern Europeans in a good position in the battle for a playoff ticket.
In addition to betting on the outcome of the game, bets on goals are also an option in this match. Marko Arnautovic would undoubtedly be a hot candidate for this. On Thursday evening, the Austrians not only celebrated the highest victory in their association’s history, but the 36-year-old striker also surpassed Toni Polster as the national team’s record goalscorer with four goals.
If you look for reasons why things are not going well for the Romanians in this qualification, the problems facing Lucescu’s team quickly become apparent. While the offense is performing well with two goals per game, the Eastern Europeans’ defense clearly has room for improvement. Even in the game against San Marino, they failed to keep a clean sheet. Of the top three teams in Group H, Romania has the most porous defense.
Romania – Austria Head-to-head record
The data available for a direct comparison in this match is rather sparse. In the recent past, these two teams have only met four times. In a friendly in 2012, the teams played out a 0-0 draw. Since then, Austria has won twice and Romania once.
Romania – Austria Tip
In a decisive match on Sunday evening, Romania will host an Austria team that has been flawless so far. While the visitors could almost secure their World Cup participation with a win, Lucescu’s team also desperately needs points to attack second place. Although a win against Ralf Rangnick’s team seems unlikely, at least one point could be in the cards for the Eastern Europeans.
Further attractive betting opportunities can be found in the goal bets. For example, Romania vs. Austria offers interesting betting odds on a goal by the newly crowned record goalscorer. But “both teams to score” is also worth considering.
