Romania v Albania Betting: Lack of early goals set to continue

In their first ever appearance at a European Championship, Albania have acquitted themselves admirably but are coming into the final round of group matches without a point. The manner of the performances may certainly have surprised some, even if the points tally stands as expected.

Their opening defeat to Switzerland saw Gianni De Biasi's men spurn a number of chances to score despite playing most of the game with 10 men, while their defeat to France saw them concede in the 90th minute - a cruel blow considering the underdogs also missed several enticing opportunities to take the lead.

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Albania's lack of experience on the biggest stage has shown at key moments, yet a victory against Romania could yet see them claim an unlikely place in the last 16 depending on other results. Romania, meanwhile, have a more straightforward path to the knockout stage with a win for Anghel Iordanesu's men likely to guarantee them at the very least one of the best third-placed team spots, and possibly even being enough to secure second place in Group A if Switzerland fail to beat France in Lille.

A draw would eliminate both teams and bet365 offer that outcome at 5/2 (3.50), while the Albanians are available at the same price and Romania can be backed at 6/5 (2.20) to extend their points tally to four. 

With everything on the line for both sides this is likely to be a nervy game, and one which should see few goals as reflected in the price of 8/15 (1.53) for less than three goals to be scored. Albania are yet to convert in the tournament, while Romania's two strikes have both come from the penalty spot and neither have looked clinical in front of goal despite creating a number of chances.

The Balkan nation will be boosted by the return of their captain and most experienced player Lorik Cana from suspension as his presence should help Albania keep things tight, while at the other end Romania themselves are a pretty solid defensive unit.

Therefore backing this game to join the long list of matches at this tournament so far without any goals in the opening 45 minutes seems like a tempting option and under 0.5 strikes in the first half is offered at 5/4 (2.25). This bet has paid out in 12 of the 24 games so far and looks like an intelligent way for punters to get some value from backing a low-scoring encounter. 

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