Euro 2024: Romania shock Ukraine

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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."

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