Romania picked up their first win at a major tournament for 24 years on Monday as they produced a superb display to beat Ukraine 3-0 in Munich.
The pre-tournament verdict on Romania was to expect not-too-good encounters, with only five goals conceded in qualifying but always weak when it comes to finding the back of the net.
They did so three times in their opening Group E match at Euro 2024, taking the lead against the run of play in the first-half when Nicolae Stanciu whipped a superb first-time finish into the top corner.
It had come against the run of play, Ukraine dominated possession in the early stages and Mykhailo Mudryk was a real threat down the left, but that strike changed the momentum of the match and Romania were much the better side heading into half-time Stanciu went close to a remarkable second, as his corner was whipped in and bounced back off the bar.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin was at fault in the opening goal, with his poor pass leading to the Romania attack, and he was also at fault for the second after the break, allowing a Razvan Marin strike from a distance go through his hands.
And a few minutes later it was 3-0, though this time there was nothing Lunin could do. Dennis Man was allowed to stroll into the box, he rolled the ball across the face of goal and Denis Dragus was left with the simplest of finishes, as Romania secured their biggest ever European Championship win.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
