Romania and Slovakia secured a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, propelling both teams into the round of 16 at the European Championship.
Romania clinched the top spot in Group E, while Slovakia advanced in third place, finishing behind Belgium.
Amid a thunderstorm and torrential rain in the second half, both teams pursued a decisive goal in a frantic period of play, despite the draw being sufficient for their progression.
Romania emerged as group leaders with Slovakia in third place, as second-place Belgium’s 0-0 draw with last-place Ukraine resulted in Ukraine’s elimination.
Belgium is set to face France in the round of 16.
Slovakia took the lead in the 24th minute through Ondrej Duda, who sent a powerful header into the corner of the net.
Romania equalized in the 37th minute when Răzvan Marin converted a penalty following a two-minute video review that confirmed Ianis Hagi was tripped inside the area.
This marks Romania’s first advancement to the knockout rounds since Euro 2000, a tournament where Ianis Hagi’s father, the legendary Gheorghe Hagi, captained the team while wearing the No. 10 jersey now donned by his son.
