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Romania and Slovakia both advanced to the last 16 of Euro 2024 after a 1-1 draw in the final match of Group E on Wednesday. Ondrej Duda gave Slovakia the lead in the first half, but Romania’s Razvan Marin equalized from the penalty spot before the break. All four teams in the group had four points from three games, with Romania taking the title with more goals than second-placed Belgium. Slovakia finished third with a better goal difference than fourth-placed Ukraine.
It was a memorable moment for Romania as they reached the knockout stages of a European Championship for the first time in 24 years.
Romania had only made it past the last 16 in five European Championship appearances, but Edward Iordanescu’s tenacious team broke that long-standing rut. They responded to Iordanescu’s pre-match challenge to make “history” with a spirited display, as the fans were so enthusiastic that the stadium turned into a sea of yellow.
Slovakia is in the knockout stages of a major tournament for the third time. They reached the round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup and the knockout stages at Euro 2016.
Sceptics suggested that a draw would have seen both teams advance, so they might have played out a mutually beneficial stalemate, but Romania got off to a fast start and showed no signs of settling for just one point.
They nearly scored early when Andrei Ratiu’s powerful shot was blocked by Martin Dubravka and Ianis Hagi fired home a powerful shot off the rebound.
Romanian mosh-pit
Romania looked to capitalise on their early advantage but Marin’s long-range free-kick went just wide shortly before the end of the game.
Slovakia came within a whisker of taking the lead when Lukas Haraslin’s free kick flew through the crowd and nearly hit the far post. Romania failed to heed the warning and Slovakia took the lead in the 24th minute.
Juraj Kucka’s cross was blocked by the Romanian defense, and the unmarked Duda easily headed the ball into the goal of Florin Nita from eight yards.
Romania fought back so vigorously that they equalised in the 37th minute with a sharp strike from the son of former Barcelona and Real Madrid star Gheorghe Hagi.
Referee Daniel Siebert initially ruled that David Hanko’s foul on Hagi happened outside the penalty area, but VAR awarded a penalty for a foul by Hanko.
Marin stepped forward and kicked the penalty high into the goal. The Romanian fans cheered deafeningly, and the whole stadium turned into a crazy mosh-pit.
In the second half, the heat in Frankfurt turned to a storm, with thunder and lightning and heavy rain. The match was played against a backdrop of drama and tension, with Romania almost winning, Marin’s shot was saved by Dubravka and Denis Dragus’ shot smacked into the net.
As the storm abated, Haraslin’s curling shot flew past the far post and, although there was no winner, both sides ultimately celebrated progressing to the knockout stages.
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