Anghel Iordanescu was the last Romanian manager to take charge of a major tournament game back at Euro 2016, but eight years later, his son Edward will look to improve on their disappointing outing in France where they finished bottom of their group.
Their opponents are a Ukraine side that, despite only winning one game in their Euro 2020 group, were able to overcome Sweden in the Round of 16, before they were eventually quashed by England in the Quarter-finals. Replicating such a run into the knockout stages this time around would no doubt constitute another success for the politically-overshadowed country.
With Belgium favourites to top the group, this game is certain to be crucial to the final standings and determining who progresses and who goes home early.
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Team News
Romania:
Romania have no fresh injury concerns, but will remain without a key figure in Denis Alibec, who has not played a game for club or country since the 9th May due to injury. The 33-year-old is, however, part of the final 26-man squad, and will hope to feature as the tournament progresses.
This does leave a question mark as to who will start up front for Romania, with many options being explored, as well as many contributing during qualifying.
Due to his absence, it appears that George Puscas, Valentin Mihaila, Denis Dragus, Dennis Man and Florinel Coman will all be fighting for two starting spots to lead the line for their country.
Ukraine:
Everton’s Vitali Mykolenko went off injured in the first half of Ukraine’s 4-0 win over Moldova - their last warm up game in preparation for Germany.
However, manager Serhiy Rebrov insists that the injury was only minor and he is in contention to return to the starting XI.
Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko often plays in midfield for his country, but would likely be recalled to left back should Mykolenko not be fit.
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Likely Lineups:
Romania:
Moldovan; Bancu, Dragusin, Burca, Rus, Ratiu; Stanciu, R.Marin, Hagi; Puscas, Man
Ukraine:
Lunin; Mykolenko, Matviienko, Zabarnyi, Konoplya; Zinchenko, Malinovsky, Stepanenko; Tsygankov, Dobvyk, Mudryk
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Key Players:
Romania - Radu Dragusin
In what is likely to be a tight encounter, it is vital that Romania carry over their defensive form from qualifying where they conceded only five goals in ten games, keeping six clean sheets in the process.
Dragusin plays an aggressive style at centre half, which is perhaps why he has slotted in nicely for Ange Postecoglu’s Tottenham Hotspur side when called upon after signing in January.
In addition to this, the 22-year-old has the passing range to follow up a turnover of possession and manufacture an attack of his side’s own.
His team will undoubtedly come under pressure so it is vital that he is able to rally his troops at the back and keep things as tight as possible.
Ukraine - Andriy Lunin:
Considering Ukraine are the favourites for this game with the bookmakers, it is perhaps surprising that a goalkeeper is selected as the key player.
However, Lunin has been called into action 31 times for Real Madrid this season, with Thibaut Courtois missing most of it due to injury.
Most recently, he helped his side overcome Bayern Munich in the Champions League to progress to the final at Wembley, a game he was perhaps unfairly dropped for with the Belgian goalkeeper returning from his spell on the sidelines.
Lunin's newly found big game experience is going to be vital at a major tournament, particularly in an opening game where nerves and tensions will be high.
Additionally, Ukraine conceded eight goals in eight games in qualifying, and also ten goals in their last tournament outing at Euro 2020, something he can stop from happening this time around.
Therefore, even with a solid enough defence in front of him, it is vital the 25-year-old is on the ball from the get go because one mistake can see a game, and subsequently a tournament, slip away very quickly.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
This game will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, home of former Champions League and European Cup winners Bayern Munich.
What time is kick-off?
Kick off is 2:00pm BST on Monday 17th June 2024.
How can I watch?
This match will be broadcasted live on BBC One in the UK.
