Euro 2024: Lunin horror, Ukraine takes 3 from Romania
Lunin horror, Ukraine takes 3 from Romania
Ukraine's experience at Euro 2024 got off to a very bad start as Mudryk and his teammates were gassed 3-0 by Romania in the first match of Group E of the European Championships. Overall, the Ukrainians did not play terribly but paid dearly for Lunin’s mistakes and lack of precision in the last meters.
The first half did not hold much excitement: Ukraine held the reins of the game but it è proved to be a sterile ball possession as it did not produce big chances. Romania’s strategies were different, as it let its opponents play and then took advantage of Lunin’s bad mistake on 29': the goalkeeper misplayed the goal, Man intercepted and served Sanciu who with a great goal unlocked the match. Ukraine didn't wake up after the underwhelming goal and Romania just covered without taking any risks.
In the second half, the initial pace è was quite entertaining and Romania è grew as the minutes passed. Iordanescu’s lineup doubled in 53' thanks to Marin, who pierced a once again not blameless Lunin: a bad day for the Real Madrid goalkeeper. Ukraine took the blow and 4 minutes later came the third goal: Man’s excellent cue and Dragus’ winning paw, who scored from two steps. The pace è then dropped and the two formations made several changes shortly after the hour mark: the Ukrainians unbalanced forward, the opponents made cover substitutions that proved effective. No major chances until the referee’s triple whistle.
Romania thus jumps to the top of Group E while waiting for the match between Belgium and Slovakia scheduled for 6 p.m. In the next round Ukraine will face Belgium, Romania will face Slovakia.
