In a thrilling display of heart and determination, Romania’s national football team dismantled Ukraine with a decisive 3-0 victory at Bayern’s stadium, marking their first win at a major tournament since their triumph over England in the group stage of Euro 2000. The emphatic performance brings Romania a step closer to the knockout phase of the continental competition, a significant achievement given their recent history. Romania, the least expensive team at this year’s European Championship, played an opening match that defied all logic. Despite Ukraine’s squad being four times more valuable and featuring stars like Mykhailo Mudryk, Andriy Lunin, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Artem Dovbyk, Romania made them look inferior in front of over 60,000 spectators.The match began with a powerful rendition of the Romanian national anthem which echoed through the stadium and set the stage for a passionate and spirited performance from Eduard Iordănescu’s men. This emotional prelude suggested that the team was ready to channel the same fervor that characterized the golden generation led by Gheorghe Hagi at the 1994 World Cup.Romania’s dominance was evident from the start. Nicolae Stanciu and Răzvan Marin’s long-range efforts found the back of the net to the dismay of Ukraine fans in Munich. The third goal, a brilliant team effort finished by Denis Drăguș, showcased the team’s ability to create and convert chances from open play, dispelling any notions that their threat was limited to long-distance shots. This victory rekindles memories of the Romanian squad from the 1994 World Cup, which included legends like Hagi, Dan Petrescu and Gheorghe Popescu. That team captured the world’s attention with their skill and tenacity during a period of significant political upheaval and hardship in Romania. The current team’s performance suggests a revival of that spirit and potential for success on the international stage.With this win, Romania not only gains crucial points but also significantly boosts their goal difference, putting them in a strong position to advance to the knockout stages. The combination of disciplined defense, creative midfield play, and clinical finishing gives fans hope that this team can emulate the successes of their predecessors and make a deep run in the tournament.MondayRomania – Ukraine 3-0 (1-0)/Stanciu 29, Marin 53, Dragus 57/19.00: (1.48) Belgium (4.30) Slovakia (7.00)22.00: (6.25) Austria (4.20) France (1.53)Tuesday19.00: (1.85) Turkey (3.50) Georgia (4.40)22.00: (1.55) Portugal (4.00) Czech R. (6.25)Wednesday16.00: (1.53) Croatia (3.90) Albania (7.00)19.00: (1.35) Germany (4.90) Hungary (9.50)22.00: (3.70) Scotland (3.40) Switzerland (2.05)Thursday 16.00: (4.10) Slovenia (3.50) Serbia (2.00)19.00: (5.60) Denmark (3.70) England (1.65)22.00: (2.30) Spain (3.30) Italy (3.20)***odds are subject to change***
