Euro 2024 - Zinchenko well motivated ahead of Romania vs. Ukraine
In a highly anticipated clash at the Allianz Arena, Romania make their long-awaited return to the European stage against a spirited Ukraine, as both teams vie to make an impact in Group E amidst contrasting pre-tournament narratives.
Romania
Romania will begin their European campaign with Monday’s fixture against Ukraine, after failing to qualify last time out. "After eight years, we are back among the elite, and that is what we wanted," Edward Iordănescu stated, as his side returns to the Euros for the first time since 2016.
The Romanians ensured their return in spectacular fashion, finishing top of a qualifying Group I that included Switzerland, Israel, and Kosovo, without losing a single game. With Belgium, Slovakia, and Monday’s opponent, Ukraine, in Group E, the Tricolours will fancy their chances of making it to the knockout stage for just the second time.
However, the Tricolours have struggled in recent matches, failing to secure a win in any of their last four games. Tottenham's Radu Drăgușin and Ianis Hagi, whose father is Romania's joint-record goal scorer Gheorghe Hagi, are part of the squad hoping to cause an upset on Monday.
"We have to take it step by step, enjoy every moment spent in the tournament, treat it with the utmost responsibility, and give it all during the campaign,” Iordănescu remarked ahead of Monday’s clash. The 45-year-old is expected to deploy a 4—3—3 formation, with Denis Dragus, Valentin Mihaila, and Dennis Man in attack.
Ukraine
Ukraine, who made it to the Euros after a play-off win over Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland, now hopes to equal and perhaps surpass their personal best of a quarter-final finish achieved at Euro 2020. The Blue and Yellow boast a talented squad that includes Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko and Chelsea's Mykhailo Mudryk.
They will be led by former Tottenham and West Ham striker Sergei Rebrov, who has a 53.85 percent win rate with the national team. Ukraine will be keen to kick off its fourth straight European campaign on a winning note, as they look to send a positive message back home at a time their country is engaged in a war following Russia’s invasion.
"Unfortunately, football is not at the forefront of our country's agenda right now. Getting to Euro 2024 is a very important step for us, and what we have done is really important for our people and country," coach Rebrov said. "Every time we wear the jersey with the Ukrainian emblem, it's double or even triple the motivation for us," Zinchenko said ahead of Monday’s game.
Meanwhile, the Blue and Yellow have experienced mixed form lately, with three wins in their last five matches [WWDLW]. A 4—3—3 with Viktor Tsyhankov, Mykhailo Mudryk, and La Liga's top scorer, Artem Dovbyk, is expected in attack.
Team form
Showing the latest five games—giving you a quick look at recent performance trends. Teams in good form tend to do well in the next match.
Team Comparison
Side-by-side assessment of team statistics, including goals, attacks, and more. This allows you to directly compare key performance metrics. Analyzing these stats can reveal patterns and strengths that might influence the outcome.