Cheered on by tens of thousands of fans, Romania won its opening match of the European Championship against Ukraine. © ANSA / MOHAMED MESSARA

Frenetic fans whip Romania to victory

Romania got off to a perfect start at the European Football Championship in Germany. Cheered on by numerous fans, Nicolae Stanciu & Co. gave the Ukrainians no chance in Munich.

June 17, 2024

From: dpa/cst

Coach Eduard Iordanescu's team beat Ukraine 3-0 (1-0) in their opening match in Group E. Nicolae Stanciu (29'), Razvan Marin (53') and Denis Dragus (57') scored for the Romanians, who celebrated only their second victory at a European Championship finals. The previous only success was 24 years ago.

Legendary striker and association boss Andrey Shevchenko, during an organized rally in Munich, urged not to forget the war at home, even in the midst of football euphoria. "Today there are eleven players on the pitch, but millions at home are fighting for victory," said the 47-year-old. The Ukrainian players entered the Munich football arena wrapped in the blue and yellow flags of their country.

Ukraine started the game in control, even having over 80 percent possession in the first quarter of an hour. But because Romania defended compactly and disciplined, chances to score were initially lacking. Against the run of play and with a lot of help from Andrey Lunin, Romania managed to take the lead. Following a failed clearance by the Ukraine keeper, Stanciu sank the ball into the top corner in a spectacular fashion from 20 meters.

Afterwards, Ukraine lost their flow of play and the Romanians showed more presence in the opposing half. Dennis Man curled the ball just past the goal and a few moments later a direct corner from Stanciu hit the underside of the crossbar (39').

Star keeper Lunin with black tag

After the break, the Romanians increased their lead. Razvan Marin finished off a quick counterattack with a powerful long-range shot. This time, too, goalkeeper Lunin, who has had a dream season at Real Madrid, played a part in the goal. Things got even worse for Ukraine. Dragus was served perfectly and the centre-forward slotted home from close range to make it 3-0. It was not until the 77th minute that Ukraine, Georgy Sudakov, had their first shot on Florin Nita's goal. In injury time, substitute Roman Yaremchuk hit the crossbar (92').