Euro Result: Romania 3-0 Ukraine

Romania defeated Ukraine handily to open Group E at Euro 2024.

In Munich, Ukraine took control of the game quickly, albeit they did not put Romanian goalkeeper Florin Niță through much of a test. In Romania’s first attack of the match, Florinel Coman sent a shot straight into the arms of Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. At the other end, Artem Dovbyk fired a rocket far over the crossbar.

Just before halftime, Edward Iordăscu’s team suddenly found themselves ahead. Lunin’s clearance was intercepted by Dennis Man, who then passed the ball to Stanciu, whose first-time curling shot struck the top corner. Taras Stepanenko narrowly diverted Man’s attempt beyond the far post just before halftime, making it almost 2-0.

Early in the second half, Serhiy Rebrov’s squad fell down by two goals in five minutes, leaving them with a mountain to climb. The ball dropped sweetly for the midfielder on the outside of the box, and Marin hit the bottom corner. A short corner was swiftly taken by Denis Draguş, who then poked the ball in from close range. Late in the game, Georgiy Sudakov put Niță to the test with a pathetic try, but Ukraine lost.

His goal provided his teammates tremendous encouragement. His stroke was flawless technically, and he scored with terrific balance. He was essential to their method tactically because he provoked the press.

Technical Observer panel of UEFA

Important Statistic

Romania have only won twice in their previous 17 EURO games (D5 L10).
Furthermore, it marked Romania’s first win in their opening game at a EURO final competition (D3 L2).
In an international competition, Dennis Man is the first Romanian to have more than one assist since Gheorghe Hagi versus Colombia at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
Only once, in a 3-2 victory over England in 2000, did Romania score three goals in a European Championship game.
The only other time Romania had kept a clean sheet in a EURO final competition was in a 2008 draw with France.
Niță, who is 36 years and 350 days old, made history by being the oldest player to represent Romania in a EURO final competition.
In their past 10 EURO group stage matches, Ukraine has only won two (L8).
The only player from Ukraine to compete in four EURO final competitions is Andriy Yarmolenko.
The least number of players aged 30 or older in any squad at EURO 2024 to far was present in Ukraine’s starting lineup—just one.