The Romanian national football team achieved an impressive 3-0 victory over Ukraine in their first match of Group E at the European Championship.
The match began with both sides testing each other, but Romania was the first to threaten. Coman took a shot from about 20 meters, but the Ukrainian goalkeeper Lunin was well-positioned and made the save.
In the middle of the first half, Ukraine had a chance to take the lead through Dovbyk, but he shot poorly, and the opportunity was wasted. Romania capitalized on this mistake. In the 30th minute, after a poor clearance by Lunin, Romania regained possession, the ball reached Stanciu who struck it first-time into the top corner, giving Romania the lead.
Seven minutes later, Ukraine had a chance to equalize. Tsygankov received the ball on the edge of the penalty area, with only the goalkeeper to beat, but he slipped and the chance was lost. Two minutes later, Romania threatened through Man, and then Stanciu hit the crossbar directly from a corner kick. Five minutes later, Ukraine launched a counterattack but fumbled in the final third. In the very next attack, the score became 2-0 for Romania. Stanciu carried the ball forward and passed to Marin, who struck it first-time into the corner of Lunin’s goal, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Everything was clear in the 57th minute when Romania scored their third goal. After a corner kick, Man sent a sharp ball into the six-yard box, and Dragus was in the right place to slot the ball behind Lunin.
The Romanians continued to attack, nearly scoring a fourth goal when Stanciu hit the outside of the net from a free kick on the left side.
After that, the pace of the match slowed down, and Ukraine had a chance for a consolation goal. In the 76th minute, Sudakov fought for a shot and struck powerfully, but Nita reacted excellently and saved his goal.
There were no major thrills for the rest of the match, so Romania deservedly secured the victory, hinting that they might replicate their success from 1994, when the team, led by Hagi, Belodedici, and Munteanu, reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup in the USA.
In the next round, Romania will face Belgium, while Ukraine will play against Slovakia.