Ukraine’s hopes at Euro 2024 dashed despite efforts from Mykhailo Mudryk and Oleksandr Zinchenko

Ukraine’s Euro 2024 campaign began disastrously with a resounding 3-0 defeat to Romania, despite boasting Premier League stars like Mykhailo Mudryk, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Ilya Zabarnyi in their lineup. Despite dominating possession with 71% control throughout the match, Ukraine failed to convert their advantage into goals, managing just two shots on target and crumbling defensively.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin had a forgettable outing, gifting Romania’s Nicolae Stanciu a goal with a misplaced clearance that Dennis Man intercepted and set up for a stunning long-range strike. Stanciu nearly added another directly from a corner, hitting the crossbar.

Romania, content to absorb pressure, capitalized further in the second half when Razvan Marin’s shot slipped through Lunin’s hands for the second goal. Denis Dragus then sealed the victory with a third goal shortly after.

Ukraine finally tested the Romanian goalkeeper in the 77th minute with Georgiy Sudakov’s effort, and Artem Dovbyk later chipped a shot onto the roof of the net. This win marked Romania’s second victory in Euros history, the first being a memorable 3-2 win over England in 2000.