Euro 2024: Romania shock Ukraine

-

Romania 3 - 0 Ukraine

Romania secured their first European Championship victory in 24 years with an impressive win over Ukraine in Group E.

Captain Nicolae Stanciu unexpectedly put Romania ahead in the 29th minute, hitting the top corner with a superb strike from 20 yards out.

Razvan Marin then extended Romania’s lead after 53 minutes, with a long-range shot that slipped under Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.Four minutes later, Denis Dragus sealed the win by tapping in Dennis Man's cross from close range.

Pre match at Romania v Ukraine

Romania’s only previous win at the Euros came in 2000 when a late Lonel Ganea penalty secured a 3-2 victory over England in the group stage.

Ranked 24 places below Ukraine in the world rankings, Romania had prepared for the Euros with lacklustre goalless draws against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein.

However, supported by a sea of yellow in Munich, they were given an early boost when Lunin’s poor clearance was intercepted by Man, who set up Stanciu for a splendid first-time shot into the net.

Euro 2024 news and stories (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

Energised by their opening goal, Romania took control and Stanciu nearly scored again minutes later, his curling effort from a corner beating Lunin but hitting the crossbar.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Lunin had a difficult game and was also to blame for Romania’s second goal, misjudging Marin’s strike which went under his attempted save.

Edward Iordanescu’s team capped off their best-ever win in the tournament when Dragus scored following a dazzling run from the lively Parma forward, Dennis Man.

Unbeaten in qualifying, Romania are now well-placed to advance from Group E and will face Belgium next on Saturday.

Ukraine, who reached the quarter-finals of the Euros three years ago, were disappointing and took 77 minutes to register a shot on target.

Substitute Roman Yaremchuk hit the crossbar for Serhiy Rebrov's side deep into second-half stoppage time.

More reaction

Macca, a Manchester City fan, enjoyed the match as a neutral. He said: "Those Ukraine players will be understandably disappointed but it's only the opening game and, with the potential for third place to qualify from the group, their Euro 2024 is certainly not over. They will need to recover quickly though."

Daniel, a Chelsea fan, added: "What a performance from Romania, they really harnessed their emotion into energy. They worked well for one another and seemed to utilise their passion correctly. Ukraine can still qualify but must improve and be prepared for their next match."

Popular posts from this blog

Transfer News: Deadline Day Developments August 2024

-
Image
This is the place for some of the biggest announcements from the August 2024 Transfer Deadline Day Raheem Sterling - Chelsea to Arsenal on loan Raheem Sterling finalised a last-minute transfer deadline move to Premier League rivals Arsenal. The 29-year-old has agreed to a season-long loan with Mikel Arteta's team.  This decision came after the England international was told that he was not part of new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca's plans. Jadon Sancho - Manchester United to Chelsea on loan with an obligation to buy Raheem Sterling in @Arsenal red 📸🔴 pic.twitter.com/GL7kbReq7K — Premier League (@premierleague) August 31, 2024 Chelsea has secured a loan deal for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho until the end of the season.  The agreement includes an obligation for Chelsea to permanently sign the 24-year-old England international for a fee ranging between £20-25m next summer. Sancho playing for Mancheter United. Photo credit  Thể Thao 11M | Flickr Eddie Nketiah - Ar
Read more

Premier League: North London is red

-
Image
Tottenham Hotspur 0 - 1 Arsenal Gabriel was Arsenal's North London derby day hero as he headed home the only goal to secure a third-straight victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Brazilian defender towered over the Spurs defence on 64 minutes to divert home a Bukayo Saka corner and settle a game of few chances. You'd have to say that Arsenal enjoyed the better of throughout the contest and ultimately deserved their hard-fought victory. The result ensured that Arsenal remains unbeaten in the Premier League this campaign, but more importantly for all Gooners, saw them claim a hat-trick of wins at the home of their neighbours for the first time since 1988 as their fantastic away record in 2024 continues. A closer look at what happened Arsenal's goalkeeper, David Raya, shone in the early moments, making crucial saves to deny Dejan Kulusevski and keeping Spurs at bay. At the other end, Guglielmo Vicario was equally impressive, pulling off a fine stop to keep out a Kai
Read more

Premier League: United back to winning ways

-
Image
Southampton 0 - 3 Manchester United Matthijs de Ligt netted his first goal for Manchester United, helping Erik ten Hag's team secure a crucial Premier League victory over Southampton. The Red Devils had entered the international break on a low note, following a heavy defeat to Liverpool, and were in dire need of a strong response upon their return. After a shaky start, United found their rhythm, with Andre Onana’s penalty save from Cameron Archer proving a key moment. Shortly afterwards, they seized the advantage. Summer signing De Ligt broke the deadlock , expertly heading into the bottom corner from a brilliant cross delivered by Bruno Fernandes. Just six minutes later, United doubled their advantage when Marcus Rashford scored his first goal of the season, threading a low shot through a crowded box to find the net—his first since March. The quickfire double appeared to take the wind out of Southampton's sails, allowing United to control the second half with relative eas
Read more