By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Romania, Slovakia Advance at Euro 2024
Romania and Slovakia have both secured spots in the last 16 of Euro 2024 following a 1-1 draw in their final Group E match on Wednesday. The draw, held in Frankfurt, saw Slovakia’s Ondrej Duda score first, followed by a penalty equalizer from Romania’s Razvan Marin.
In a group where all four teams earned four points from three games, Romania finished top due to their higher goal tally compared to second-placed Belgium. Slovakia advanced in third place thanks to a better goal difference over fourth-placed Ukraine.
This marks a historic moment for Romania, reaching the knockout stages of the Euros for the first time in 24 years. Under the guidance of coach Edward Iordanescu, Romania ended their long drought with a spirited performance cheered on by a sea of yellow-clad fans.
Slovakia’s advancement to the knockout rounds of a major tournament marks their third such achievement, having previously reached the last 16 in the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2016.
Despite pre-match speculations of a mutually beneficial draw, both teams played with intent. Romania started strong, with Andrei Ratiu’s early strike saved by Slovakia’s Martin Dubravka. However, Slovakia capitalized first with a 24th-minute header by Duda, assisted by Juraj Kucka’s cross.
Romania responded quickly, with a penalty awarded by VAR for a foul on Ianis Hagi. Marin converted the penalty, igniting celebrations among the Romania supporters. The second half, marked by a dramatic storm, saw both teams come close to scoring again, but the match ended in a draw, securing their progression.
Romania, Slovakia.
Romania, Slovakia Advance at Euro 2024