Euro 2024: Romania, Slovakia, and France Claim Opening Match Wins

Romania 3-0 Ukraine

After 24 years of waiting, Romania has finally pulled off their first win at the European Championship. A 3-0 victory against Ukraine definitely gave Romania a great start. 

In the first 20 minutes of the game, Ukraine had the upper hand, thanks to the powerful long-range short form of their captain, Nicolae Stanciu. But their moments immediately ended due to one mistake made by their goalkeeper, giving a golden opportunity to Romania. 

Their opponent’s missed chances allowed them to score two more goals in the second half with a long-range strike by Romania’s defensive midfielder Razvan Marvin and an excellent finish off a corner by Denis Dragus. 

Through their team’s tremendous determination throughout the game, the match ended as coach Edward Lordanescu anticipated. After a strong defense held Ukraine scoreless, a jubilant Romanian team and fans celebrated the well-deserved victory. 

Even though there are still a lot of matches that need to be won, Romania’s first win in this year’s European Championship marked a historical milestone for the team breaking their winless streak in the finals. 

Belgium 0 -1 Slovakia

In a Group E opener between Belgium and Slovakia, only a single goal was made by Ivan Schranz that dictates the winner of the game. The match was decided by a narrow 1-0 scoreline, in the end in favor of Slovakia which marked Belgium’s first defeat under coach Domenico Tedesco in 16 matches.

Despite controlling the ball for most of the game, Belgium had a hard time getting their many opportunities to go in. Their talisman Romelu Lukaku had two VAR-ruled goals disallowed and missed a hatful of chances to score. Tedesco admitted the squandered opportunities but insists there is no reason to worry just yet. 

Slovakia took advantage by netting an early goal from Ivan Schranz and tightened things up in the back the rest of the way. They had some shots of their own, though, leaving Thibaut Courtois to make good stops.

Despite having various scoring opportunities, Belgium’s performance has some shortfalls, failing to break Slovakian’s defense. Due to this unexpected loss, Belgium ended their night with disappointment, the complete opposite of Slovakia which found themselves level with Romania in Group E.

Austria 0-1 France

France Wins First Match Of Euro 2024, Beats Austria 1-0 In Group D Opener. It was France coach Didier Deschamps’ 100th win in charge of the national team. However, the victory was soured in the final minutes as star striker Kylian Mbappé looked to have picked up a nasty injury.

The game itself was a close encounter. Austria was an efficient and resilient side, employing an energetic and high press that troubled the French. France controlled possession but could not make a telling chance. Mbappé’s ability, and a slice of good fortune, had opened how moments later, seconds before half-time, the breakthrough arrived. His electric run and cross led to an own goal by Austrian defender Max Wober.

At the match finale, France ended their night with mixed emotions. Although they secured their valuable win, Mbappé’s injury is not to be taken lightly. If they want to progress in the Euro 2024, France needs their players to keep healthy like Mbappé’s.