Romania ends 24-year winless streak at Euro with win over Ukraine

Romanians score 3 without reply

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MUNICH, Germany (Reuters) — Romania won their first European Championship match in 24 years with a 3-0 victory over Ukraine in their Group C opener on Thursday guided by the heroics of their captain Ciprian Tatarusanu and co. Bogdan Stancu opened the scoring after 6 minutes and 20 seconds with a free header from a corner, Vlad Chiriches doubled the lead in the 34th minute with a close-range effort after a through ball from Nicolae Stanciu. Ukraine dominated possession (72 percent) and had more goal attempts (23-15) but lacked the cutting edge against a resolute Romanian defense. Artem Dovbyk wasted a good chance for Ukraine towards the end of the first half after rounding goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu but hitting the side-netting. Romanians, on the other hand, remained compact throughout the match and hit the post twice through Stanciu and Ianis Hagi.

Striker Serhiy Sydorchuk picked up two yellow cards in quick succession for dissent and was sent off in the 78th minute, making Ukraine’s task even harder. The result lifted Romania, who have now managed just two wins in their 16 games at the Euros, to the top of the standings in Group C ahead of Austria and North Macedonia who drew 3-3 earlier on Thursday. The Netherlands plays Ukraine in the other game in the group on Sunday.