Romania returned into the race for the second place in the standings thanks to three successive wins, but it looks as though they will have to make it four in a row in order to keep their qualifying hopes alive. France, on the other hand, are leading the race in Group D and the win in Romania would see them virtually ensure the first place in the standings.

Major selection headache for Victor Piturca

Once considered one of Europe’s top national teams, Romania have been largely struggling to return to old glory days with even qualification to one of two major tournaments proving to be too big a task for the Eastern European country. Following the dismal showings in 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Romania had big problems at the start of Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, with two points from first four games hardly considered a good result. The team showed some improvement to beat Bosnia at home, while they also recorded a double win over weak Luxembourg, but it is against France that Victor Piturca’s side will have to show they deserve a place at the final tournament. That could prove too big a task as not only did Romania win just one game against top 5 teams in the group, but they also enter this match deprived of several very important players. The game will mark the opening of National Arena in Bucharest, but over 50,000 fans will not have much to cheer about.

Cristian Chivu and Mirel Radoi have retired from international football, while Gabriel Tamas and Adrian Mutu have been dropped due to unprofessional behaviour. Stefan Radu, George Galamaz and Lucian Sanmartean are all sidelined, while Gabriel Torje, who scored both goals against Luxembourg, is suspended.

France continue to impress

Following the utterly disappointing reign of Raymond Domenech, talented coach Laurent Blanc managed to sort out the national team much quicker than anyone could expect and that is the main reason why France are now on the verge of clinching their place at the final tournament. Following the unlucky defeat in their opening game against Belarus, les Bleus have been thoroughly impressive in the remainder of the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, dropping just two points in next six qualifiers. Having won six of their last seven away games in all competitions, including the game against Albania few days ago, France look more than capable of continuing the magnificent run against severely weakened Romania. Laurent Blanc is eager to ensure the first place in the group as soon as possible and he will instruct his side to go for a win in Romania, and there are no doubts that the hosts’ second string defence is set to face a tough task against red-hot Karim Benzema, as well as Franck Ribery and Samir Nasri.

Adil Rami and Bacary Sagna should return to the starting line-up from suspension and injury respectively, whereas France’s Xavi, Marvin Martin should come in for Alou Diarra.

Verdict

Even at full strength, Romania would face a very tough task against high-flying France, so away win looks like a banker when we take into account the fact that the hosts will be missing six first team regulars. Les Bleus have been playing really well of late and I expect them to record a comfortable win in Romania.

Our prediction: Away win

Odds: 2.00 (1/1)

Bookmaker: William Hill