Romania recorded their first win at a European Championship in 24 years at Euro 2024 with a stunning victory over Ukraine in Group E. Captain Nicolae Stanciu gave Romania a surprise lead in the 29th minute, finding the corner top with a superb strike from 25 yards out.
Razvan Marin doubled the Tricolors' advantage after 53 minutes with a long-range shot that went under Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Romania completed the scoring four minutes later when Denis Dragus deflected Dennis Man's cross from close range. Their only previous European win came in 2000, when a late Ionel Ganea penalty helped them beat England 3-2 in the group stage.
Ukraine's players are taking part in their first major tournament since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022. Last week, their striker Mykhailo Mudryk said his family was facing Russian missiles " day and night" in his hometown of Krasnograd. Romania are 24 places below their opponents in the world rankings and had prepared for the Europeans with disappointing goalless draws against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein.
Romania - who were unbeaten in qualifying - are now in a strong position to progress from Group E and face Belgium in their next game on Saturday. Ukraine, European quarter-finalists three years ago, disappointed, waiting 77 minutes to register a shot on goal. Substitute Roman Yaremchuk hit the crossbar for Serhiy Rebrov's side in the dying minutes of second-half extra time. Ukraine will face Slovakia in their next game on Friday.
