The first semi-final of the 2019 UEFA European Under 21 Championship will take place on Thursday afternoon in Bologna, where reigning champions Germany will take on surprise package Romania at Renato Dall'Ara Stadium. These two sides have last met in the qualifying campaign for the 2015 European Championship, and back then Romania managed to hold out for a 2-2 draw at home before being totally outclassed in a 8-0 defeat in Germany. The Romanian Under 21 team has never managed to beat Germany in their four previous direct meetings.
Defending champions Germany had an almost perfect tournament so far, they started with a 3-1 victory over Denmark, then demolished Serbia 6-1 and in the last match they settled for a 1-1 draw against Austria, a result which allowed them to finish at the top of the table in Group B. Gian-Luca Waldschmidt has scored five goals in this tournament so far, while Marco Richter has bagged three. Both will be available for the semi-final, but Benjamin Henrichs will not, he is suspended after having picked up his second booking of the tournament in the match against Austria.
Romania have surprised everybody at this tournament, they started in a very tough group alongside England, France and Croatia, but somehow managed to finish at the top of the table. They had an excellent start with a commanding 4-1 victory over Croatia, then secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over England and in the last match they managed to hold France to a goalless draw. For the Romanians it's only their second presence at the European Under 21 final tournament, and last time they lost three out of three. Head coach Mirel Radoi has all his players available and ready to play after having rested a few of his booked players in the match against France.
Probable line-ups:
Germany: Nubel - Klostermann, Tah, Baumgartl, Mittelstadt - Neuhaus, Eggstein, Dahoud - Oztunali, Waldschmidt, Richter
Romania: Radu - Manea, Nedelcearu, Pascanu, Stefan - Cicaldau, Baluta - Man, Hagi, Coman - Puscas
My prediction:
The Germans are very strong, probably the best team of the tournament, but Romania have proven their worth and I think it will be a crazy match with a lot of chances. I think the first 90 minutes could bring us a 2-2 draw and then most likely Germany will push through in extra time or on penalties.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Germany win - 1.50
Draw - 4.50
Romania win - 6.00
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