Euro 2024 preview: Romania face Ukraine for Matchday 1 of group E

Euro 2024 preview: Romania face Ukraine for Matchday 1 of group E

Eric Munene 13:10 - 17.06.2024

This article provides the Romania vs Ukraine preview and match predictions.

Romania and Ukraine will kick off their Euro 2024 campaigns as they face off in Group E on Monday afternoon.

Although not the most high-profile match of the opening fixtures, this clash could play a crucial role in determining the group standings.

Belgium is widely expected to dominate the group, leaving Slovakia, Romania, and Ukraine to battle it out for the runner-up position.

Romania enters the tournament with strong momentum, having surprisingly topped their qualifying group without a single defeat in ten matches. They finished five points clear of Switzerland, securing their sixth European Championship appearance.

Meanwhile, Ukraine took a more challenging route to Euro 2024, having to navigate through the playoffs after finishing third in their qualifying group behind Euro 2020 finalists Italy and England.

They secured their place in Germany this summer with hard-fought 2-1 victories over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland.

Both teams will be eager to start their Euro 2024 journey on a positive note, knowing that a win in this early encounter could provide a significant advantage in the race for advancement from Group E.

Predictions and key players

Ukraine will be depending on their goalkeeper Andriy Lunin who has only lost one of his 12 matches for Ukraine, maintaining a record of 6 clean sheets.

On the other hand, Forwatds George Puscas who has been crucial in the last international matches for his country Romania.

The last time Romania beat Ukraine was in 2003 when they beat them 2-0 in international friendlies. All matches since then ended with a score line of 5 to 7 goals.

Ukraine were victorious in all of these 3 matches 2010, 2011 and 2016.

The best bets to place for this match would be; both teams to score, the game to end with 3 goals and above or Ukraine to win.