ROMANIA kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against fellow tournament underdogs Ukraine on Monday.
The two sides are set to meet at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Romania failed to qualify for the European Championships four years ago, but they managed to book a spot this time around by topping Group I.
Edward Iordanescu’s side came through the group unbeaten, easing past Switzerland, Israel, Belarus, Kosovo and Andorra.
Meanwhile, Ukraine earned a place through the play-offs earlier this year.
Serhiy Rebrov’s side beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-1 in the semi-finals before earning a 2-1 win over Iceland in the final.
READ MORE ON EURO 2024
Both teams go into Group E with Slovakia and Belgium.
And both will fancy their chances of a spot in the knockouts.
Path to the Euros
Romania managed an invincible record in qualifying with six wins and four draws in 10 games.
They won Group I with a five-point advantage over Switzerland.
Most read in Euro 2024
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Ukraine finished third in Group C, behind England and Italy.
However, they beat Bosnia and Iceland in the play-offs to secure a spot.
Team News
Both teams are expected to have a full squad available for the match, with no injury concerns in either 26-man squad.
Tottenham’s Radu Dragusin is set to star for Romania, with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mykhailo Mudryk in line to start for Ukraine.
Ones to watch
Radu Dragusin is arguably the biggest name in the Romania squad.
The defender joined Tottenham in a £21.5million transfer from Genoa in January and has since made nine appearances.
Despite being just 22-years-old, Dragusin has already earned 17 senior international caps.
As for Ukraine, Mykhailo Mudryk is the man to watch.
He scored the winning goal in the play-off final to send Ukraine through to Euro 2024 and is capable of great speed and great frustration.
The 23-year-old has made 21 appearances for the Ukraine senior squad and scored twice.
Head-to-Head
These two sides have faced each other six times.
They remain completely equal, with three wins each.
SunSport prediction
Romania have caused a few upsets over the last year, but Ukraine arguably have a bit more quality throughout the squad and could narrowly take the win.
Prediction: Romania 0-1 Ukraine
PLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!
The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament.
When is Romania vs Ukraine?
- Romania’s opening group stage game against Ukraine takes place on Monday, June 17.
- The game kicks off at 2pm BST.
- Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany will host the game.
What channel is it and can it be live streamed?
- Romania vs Ukraine will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
- You can live stream all the action from the BBC iPlayer app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
Can I watch for FREE?
- Yes! Romania vs Ukraine will be shown live for FREE on BBC One, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Odds
- Romania – 27/10
- Draw – 12/5
- Ukraine – 21/20
*Odds courtesy of William Hill and correct at time of publication.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
