Romania and Ukraine begin their Euro 2024 campaigns as they meet in Munich this afternoon. Belgium, who face Slovakia later today, are the clear favourites to reach the knockout stages from Group E, but it looks to be open between the other three sides as they bid to secure a place in the last-16.
There should be plenty of confidence in the Romania camp after an unbeaten qualifying campaign, as they topped the group ahead of Switzerland. That earned them a first European Championship appearance since 2016, when they were knocked out in the group stage. It is now 24 years since Romania won a match at a major tournament.
Ukraine have been without home advantage due to the ongoing war with Russia but still managed to qualify, Mykhailo Mudryk scoring the winner in a play-off final win over Iceland earlier this year. They reached the quarter-finals at the Euros three years ago and will be eyeing another strong run in Germany. Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
Romania vs Ukraine latest updates
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Kick-off: 2pm BST | Allianz Arena
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How to watch: BBC Sport
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Romania team news: Dragusin key at the back
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Ukraine team news: Mudryk and Mykolenko fit
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Standard Sport prediction
How Romania qualified…
12:42 , Matt Verri
No such stress for Romania.
Ten matches, six wins, four draws. Those of you who are good at maths can work out there were no defeats.
Just five goals conceded in qualifying, in a group with the likes of Switzerland and Israel. Impressive effort.
How Ukraine qualified…
12:28 , Matt Verri
It was a nervy affair!
Ukraine faced Iceland in a play-off final, with a place at Euro 2024 on the line.
Iceland led at the break, but the second-half charge came and Mykhailo Mudryk’s late winner secured his country’s place in Germany.
Stage is set!
12:19 , Matt Verri
Allianz Arena once again hosting some Euro 2024 action this afternoon.
Germany beat Scotland 5-1 here on Friday night.
Six goals in this match this afternoon? Where do I sign…
Standard Sport prediction
12:09 , Matt Verri
Romania aren’t to be overlooked, as Switzerland found out during qualifying.
But Ukraine look to have that extra bit of quality, particulary in attack, and can edge a tight encounter.
Ukraine to win, 1-0.
Ukraine team news
11:59 , Matt Verri
Ukraine hope to be injury-free for this afternoon’s opener.
Despite struggling in qualifying, Ukraine’s squad has real talent and will be expected to qualify from Group E. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin spent much of the season filling in capably for the injured Thibaut Courtois at Real Madrid, while Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mykhailo Mudyrk get regular game time at Arsenal and Chelsea, respectively.
Mudryk should start on the wing with Artem Dovbyk competing against Roman Yaremchuk to be the central striker after a fine season with Girona.
Manager Rebrov has calmed fears over an injury to Everton left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, who would be replaced at left-back by Zinchenko if he misses out.
Predicted Ukraine XI: Lunin; Konoplya, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Mykolenko; Stepanenko, Sudakov, Zinchenko; Tsygankov, Yaremchuk, Mudryk
Romania team news
11:49 , Matt Verri
Romania’s team has fewer star names than Ukraine, aside from perhaps Tottenham’s centre-back Radu Dragusin and veteran forward Nicolae Stanciu, but they’re well-organised by manager Edward Iordanescu and could cause a surprise in Germany.
Denis Dragus and George Puscas, once of Reading, are competing to start in place of the absent veteran striker Denis Alibec.
Atletico Madrid’s Horatiu Moldovan should edge veteran Florin Nita to start in goal.
Predicted Romania XI: Moldovan; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M. Marin, R. Marin, Cicaldau; Stancu, Puscas, Man
How to watch Romania vs Ukraine
11:41 , Matt Verri
TV channel: The game will be broadcast on free to air coverage on BBC One. Coverage starts at 1.30pm BST ahead of a 2pm kick-off.
Live stream: The BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website – both free – will offer a live stream.
LIVE coverage: Follow all the action with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog!
Good morning!
11:33 , Matt Verri
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Romania vs Ukraine!
It’s the first full week of action at Euro 2024 and Group E gets up and running this afternoon, with this clash followed by Belgium taking on Slovakia.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news ahead of the opening match of the day, which kicks off at 2pm BST at the Allianz Arena.
