Romania’s triumphant return to the European Championship saw them make history with a resounding 3-0 victory over Ukraine in Munich.
Edward Iordanescu’s team, absent from Euro 2020, announced their comeback in style, scoring three goals in a European Championship match for only the second time in their history.
The 3-0 win was secured by goals from Nicolae Stanciu, Razvan Marin, and Denis Dragus.
Seb Stafford-Bloor and Mark Critchley analyze Romania’s impressive performance, starting with Stanciu’s stunning opening goal.
Despite originating from a mistake by Ukraine’s Andriy Lunin, who shanked a clearance to Razvan Marin, Stanciu’s finish was a highlight-reel strike. The shot, clocked at 116 km/h, displayed impressive whip, bend, and curve, leaving the Real Madrid goalkeeper helpless.
Ukraine, despite boasting talent in their front four, struggled to create meaningful chances. Georgiy Sudakov, a rising star in their team, found it challenging to penetrate Romania’s defense, with his passes often directed towards the touchlines rather than into central areas. Romania, on the other hand, capitalized on their chances efficiently, attacking precisely at crucial moments.
Romania’s defensive prowess was another key factor in their victory. Center-backs Radu Dragusin and Andrei Burca effectively neutralized the threat of Artem Dovbyk,
Ukraine’s main forward. Romania’s defensive record from qualifying, conceding less than a goal per game on average, was evident in their authoritative and aggressive defending.
Despite not being considered a golden generation, Romania’s team, organized and hardworking under Iordanescu, proved they are capable of causing upsets.
Their dominant win against Ukraine, a technically gifted team, strengthens their chances of advancing further in the tournament.
The victory was a momentous occasion for Romania, marking their first win at the Euros since 2000. The scenes of celebration at the end, with players and fans united in joy, echoed the spirit of past underdog teams like Iceland and Wales.
Romania’s performance and victory are a testament to their determination and team spirit, setting the stage for a potentially exciting journey in the tournament.
