Munich, (UNI) In a breathtaking display of skill, Romania achieved a momentous milestone by securing their first win at a major tournament in 24 years.
The resounding 3-0 triumph over Ukraine in their Euro 2024 Group E opener left fans and pundits alike in awe.
Before the tournament, Romania was seen as a defensively solid but offensively challenged team, known for conceding only five goals during qualifying but struggling to score. Defying these predictions, they delivered a masterclass performance that rewrote their narrative.
The first half saw Romania seize the lead with a spectacular strike from Nicolae Stanciu. In a moment of brilliance, Stanciu fired a first-time shot into the top corner, capitalising on a blunder by Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin. This goal, against the run of play, stunned Ukraine, who had dominated possession early on, with Mykhailo Mudryk menacing down the left flank.
As the first half progressed, Romania’s confidence grew. Stanciu nearly doubled his tally with a corner kick that rattled the bar, inches away from a second goal. The Romanians’ relentless pressure kept Ukraine on the back foot, setting the stage for an electrifying second half.
Lunin’s night went from bad to worse after the break. A long-distance strike from Razvan Marin slipped through his hands, gifting Romania their second goal and sending their supporters into raptures. Moments later, Dennis Man expertly navigated through Ukraine’s defense, delivering a precise pass to Denis Dragus, who effortlessly slotted home the third goal, sealing Romania’s biggest ever European Championship win.
This historic victory propels Romania into a commanding position, needing only a point from their upcoming matches against Belgium and Slovakia to secure a spot in the knockout stages. In stark contrast, Ukraine now faces a daunting challenge to keep their tournament hopes alive.
As the final whistle blew, Romania’s players and fans celebrated a night they will remember for years to come—a night where they defied expectations, showcased their talent, and made history on one of football’s grandest stages.
