Twenty-four years later, Romania won a match in a major international competition. Quarter-finalist of Euro 2000, the selection then missed the following editions (2004, 2012, 2020) or failed in the first round without a victory (2008, 2016) – also missing six World Cups. This series ended Monday June 17, in Munich, with a 3-0 success against Ukraine.
In a position of outsider on paper, the Romanians were deprived of the ball during the first half hour of play. But the – magnificent – goal from midfielder and captain Nicolae Stanciu turned the tide. In the second half, the achievements of Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus widened the gap.
Despite a few saves from Romanian goalkeeper Florin Nita at the end of the match, Ukraine ultimately created few clear chances. This match had a strong symbolic value for a selection representing a country at war since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. Moreover, the Zbirna players each wore a yellow and white flag on their backs when they entered the field. ground.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was not exempt from all criticism for the first two goals. His teammates playing in the English championship, Oleksandr Zinchenko (Arsenal) and Mykhailo Mudryk (Chelsea), took action, without managing to make a difference.
On Saturday June 22, at 9 p.m., Romania will meet Belgium in Cologne and, the day before, Ukraine will meet Slovakia in Düsseldorf, at 3 p.m., during the second day of Group E.
What you must remember
- The cador. Nicolae Stanciu
Between Romania, Belgium, the Czech Republic, China and Saudi Arabia, the 31-year-old Romanian midfielder’s club career is not the most flashy. And yet, the Romanian captain has a velvet foot, as we could see with his goal, but also his set pieces, always well struck. He even almost achieved the double with a direct corner which failed on the crossbar.
1-0, 29e : Romanian captain Nicolae Stanciu opens the scoring with an uncontrolled shot into the top corner! Originally, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s clearance was intercepted by Dennis Man, who was able to beat his teammate in front of the box.
2-0, 53e : Hit again from outside the area, Razvan Marin’s cross attempt passes under the gloves of Andriy Lunin.
3-0, 57e : On a quickly played corner, Dennis Man infiltrates the area and places a cross-shot which Denis Dragus extends into the back of the net.
Romania was not given favorites before the meeting. However, she signed the biggest victory in its history at the Euro against Ukraine thanks to these three goals.
- The turning point of the match: the not firm hand of Andriy Lunin
When you play at Real Madrid, you inevitably attract attention and expectations. Especially in a team like Ukraine where the stars do not evolve in constellation. Unfortunately for his team, Andriy Lunin did not have a firm hand on Razvan Marin’s strike (53e), for the second Romanian goal.
This Ukraine-Romania looked like an ideal match for a nap, but the level of play was enough to keep us wide awake – and delighted to be so – during the entire meeting. Not even to mention the superb first goal!
