Romania vs Ukraine EURO 2024 Group E Matchday 1 preview: Where to watch, kick-off time, possible line-ups
Match Details
When: Monday, 17 June 2024 (18:30 IST kick-off)
Where: Munich Football Arena
What: UEFA EURO 2024 Group E Matchday 1
Possible Line-ups
Romania
Moldovan; Burcă, Drăgușin, Rus, Bancu; Marius Marin, Răzvan Marin; Stanciu, Man, Drăguș, Mihăila
Ukraine
Lunin; Konoplia, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Zinchenko; Shaparenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov; Tsygankov, Dovbyk, Mudryk
Form Guide
Romania
Form (all competitions, most recent first): DDLDWW
Ukraine
Form (all competitions, most recent first): WLDWWD
Expert Predictions
Cristina Tache, Romania Reporter
Good news: Edward Iordănescu has 26 eager players to choose from, and the mood in training has been very positive. Striker Denis Alibec is one of Iordănescu's go-to players, but the striker has not played much of late and may not be up for a full 90 minutes. He may come off the bench in the second half. Three other players were doubts in the run-up to the game, but Andrei Burcă, Răzvan Marin and Adrian Rus all seem to be fighting fit, with the former two likely to start.
Bogdan Buga, Ukraine Reporter
In their last two EURO appearances, Ukraine started with losses, albeit against heavyweights Germany and the Netherlands. This time, a victory seems like a must if they are to progress. Rebrov and his squad certainly aren't underestimating their opponents. "We respect our opponents and must play our best football to succeed," said Oleksandr Zinchenko. This Ukraine side is brimming with potential, incredible energy, and motivation. They also know how to adjust tactically and stay patient when needed. I won't predict the outcome, but I'm confident Rebrov's team will deliver a performance to be proud of.
What the Coaches Say
Edward Iordănescu, Romania Coach
"These are unique times, wonderful times, times that every coach prepares, works and dreams for. It is a dream come true: a great story to have qualified after such a long time, and we want to make this moment last as long as possible. After eight years, we are back among the elite, and that is what we wanted. The training has been complex, with careful selection, a lot of study, analysis, a lot of hard work, seriousness – and we have been able to put together a great team, a team full of potential."
Serhiy Rebrov, Ukraine Coach
"All our opponents at EURO are very tough and the Romanian team managed to win first place in their qualification group. But I think we need to concentrate on our own performance. Yes, there are many great players in the Romanian squad. They may not be representing top teams but all their footballers play abroad or in Romania. All their players represent good clubs so I always treat my opponents with respect."
