Romania achieved their first European Championship victory in 24 years, defeating Ukraine 3-0 in a thrilling Group E match.
Captain Nicolae Stanciu ignited the celebration with a spectacular 29th-minute strike from 20 yards out, finding the top corner and giving Romania an unexpected lead.
Razvan Marin extended the advantage in the 53rd minute, capitalizing on a long-range effort that slipped past Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.
Just four minutes later, Denis Dragus completed the scoring with a close-range tap-in from Dennis Man’s precise cross.
This victory marks Romania’s second-ever win at the Euros, their previous triumph occurring in 2000 when a late Ionel Ganea penalty secured a 3-2 victory over England.
Ukraine, competing in their first major tournament since the 2022 Russian invasion, struggled throughout the match. Their forward, Mykhailo Mudryk, recently shared the harrowing reality of his family facing constant missile attacks in Krasnograd.
Despite being ranked 24 places below Ukraine, Romania entered the Euros with lackluster goalless draws against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein. However, spurred on by a fervent yellow-clad crowd in Munich, they seized their opportunity when Lunin’s poor clearance allowed Man to set up Stanciu for a brilliant first-time finish.
Romania dominated the game after taking the lead. Stanciu nearly doubled his tally minutes later, hitting the crossbar directly from a corner. Lunin’s struggles continued as he failed to stop Marin’s long-range shot, which sealed Romania’s second goal.
Edward Iordanescu’s team cemented their commanding performance with a third goal. Dragus capitalized on Man’s dazzling run, ensuring Romania’s largest-ever win at the Euros.
Unbeaten in the qualifiers, Romania is now well-positioned to advance from Group E. Their next challenge is against Belgium on Saturday.
Ukraine, who reached the quarter-finals three years ago, had a disappointing performance, managing their first shot on target only in the 77th minute. Roman Yaremchuk struck the crossbar in stoppage time, highlighting their frustrations.
Ukraine will look to bounce back in their next match against Slovakia on Friday.