Group E is one of the more open groups at Euro 2024, so both Romania and Ukraine will back their chances of getting into the knockouts. A win and a draw could easily be enough, so their first clash presents a great chance for either side to start off on the right foot.
By Neel Shelat
Defence is Key for Romania
Romania have not reached the knockout stages since Euro 2000 but they have a golden opportunity to change that this time around. They qualified for the tournament as Group I toppers with an unbeaten record and just 5 goals conceded in ten games. That was despite the fact that they kept no more than 40% possession in half of their games.
Romania’s best player will lead their defensive effort as Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Radu Drăgușin is expected to start at the heart of their back line. His defensive positioning, anticipation and strength in duels will be crucial when his side have to resist long spells of pressure.
As long as they continue to keep things tight at the back, Eduard Iordanescu’s side will only need one or two moments of magic to make the difference up front. They will hope to see the likes of Nicolae Stanciu, Dennis Man and George Pușcaș deliver the goods at crunchtime.
Can Ukraine’s Attacking Firepower Take Them Through?
Ukraine put together a memorable run to the Euro quarter-finals last time around with a well-balanced side. On paper, their quality has only improved in the intervening years as the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk, Artem Dovbyk and Viktor Tsygankov have taken their games up a notch, but they made a much tougher job of qualifying this time around.
They failed to get through their group and were only saved by the lifeline that is the UEFA Nations League path to the final qualifying play-offs. Even after getting there, they made very tough work of defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland, scoring late winners after conceding the opener in both games.
Serhiy Rebrov has not changed the formula a great deal since taking over, but something about the balance of his side seems off. Unlike Romania, they do not have a solid defensive base that can offer a platform to build a great campaign. If they get it right, though, Ukraine should have more than enough attacking quality to at least aim to for second spot in the group.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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