New Delhi: Group E rivals Romania and Ukraine will kick off their Euro 2024 Campaign in Munich at Allianz Arena, Munich in the first match on Monday. Romania are back in the group stage after failing to qualify in the last edition while Ukraine are making their fourth consecutive appearance in the competition.
The other two formidable opponents in their group are Belgium and Slovakia. Both teams are equally equipped with talented and experienced players. But Ukraine are the favourites for the upcoming clash.
Led by Tottenham Hotspur defender Radu Dragusin, Romania were one of the six teams that maintained an unbeaten record in the qualifying campaign. Losing eight of their 11 matches to date, the Ukrainians have failed to score in six of nine group games. Taking part in the first European Championship since 2016 when Romania finished bottom of their group with just a point, this time they are intent on progressing to the knockout stage.
On the other hand, the war-torn nation, Ukraine missed out on Qatar 2022 qualification but this time they aim to make it through the quarter-finals just as they did three years ago.
Ukraine are expected to win the clash and claim the three points easily but one of the underdogs at the Euro 2024 Romania are not to be taken lightly.
Team News
Florin Nita is likely to replace Horatiu Moldovan as a goalkeeper in the Romanian XI. The attacking lineup can feature George Puscas or Denis Alibec as the main striker. Another absence in the Romanian squad will be the skilful winger Olimpiu Morutan as he has been ruled out of this summer’s action due to an ACL injury. Valentin Mihaila and Dennis Man are expected to replace him.
In the Ukrainian side, Serhiy Rebrov’s first-choice left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko is expected to miss the match as he suffered an ankle injury. Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to switch from midfield to cover for the Everton defender’s absence. Mykhailo Mudryk and Viktor Tsygankov are set to feature on the wings with Roman Yaremchuk as the centre forward.
Head-to-Head
Both Romania and Ukraine have locked horns six times in all competitions including four friendly meetings. The head-to-head record is even with each side registering three wins. Romania have just one win in the European Championships and have made it to the knockout stages in just one of their five appearances, in the 2000 edition.
In the last three face-offs, Romania failed to win even once. The meeting between the two nations this time sees a resurgent Romanian side arriving in Germany as qualifiers group winners, while their opening opponents edged through via playoffs.
Predicted lineup
Romania: Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M. Marin, R. Marin; Man, Stanciu, Mihaila; Dragus
Ukraine: Lunin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Zinchenko; Shaparenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov; Tsygankov, Dovbyk, Mudryk
When, where and how to watch the Romania vs Ukraine match in India?
The Romania vs Ukraine UEFA Euro 2024 match will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India. Live streaming of Euro 2024 will be available on SonyLIV app and website. The action begins at 6:30 pm IST tonight.
Will it be dark horses Ukraine or underdogs Romania leading the campaign with their first victory? Let’s find out. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
