Slovakia vs Romania

Watch Slovakia vs Romania full match replay and highlights.
KICK-OFF at 16:00 (GMT) on 26th June 2024
The referee for this match is D. Siebert
Game played at Frankfurt Arena
This is a match in Europe – UEFA Euro, Group E, Season 2024

Romania 1-1 Slovakia: Both Teams Advance to Round of 16 Amid Stormy Conditions

Romania and Slovakia played out a 1-1 draw in their final Group E game at the 2024 UEFA European Championship, securing their places in the Round of 16 despite stormy conditions at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt.

First Half: Goals and High Stakes

Although a draw would see both teams through, the match was far from cautious in the first half. Slovakia initially posed threats from set-pieces, with Juraj Kucka’s free header saved comfortably by Florin Niță. Lukáš Haraslín’s free-kick narrowly missed the target, but Kucka’s well-placed cross found Ondrej Duda, who headed in the opener, making history as the first Slovak to score in two separate Euros.

Romania responded swiftly. A VAR review confirmed Dávid Hancko’s foul on Ianis Hagi occurred inside the penalty area, leading to a penalty. Răzvan Marin confidently converted, sending Martin Dúbravka the wrong way and leveling the score.

Second Half: Close Calls Amid Downpour

As rain poured down in Frankfurt, Romania nearly took the lead when Marin’s powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Dúbravka. Denis Drăguș then curled an effort just wide. Slovakia countered with a double chance, David Strelec’s shot being saved by Niță’s foot, followed by Haraslín’s near-miss.

Despite Slovakia’s disappointment in not securing a win after leading for the fifth straight match, their primary objective of advancing was achieved. Romania, thrilled to progress past the group stage for the first time since 2000, also celebrated their hard-fought draw.

Key Moments

• Slovakia’s Opening Goal: Juraj Kucka’s cross to Ondrej Duda set up a historic goal for Slovakia.
• Romania’s Equalizer: A VAR-awarded penalty saw Răzvan Marin score with precision, leveling the game.
• Stormy Conditions: Heavy rain impacted play, adding to the match’s drama and intensity.

Implications

• Romania’s Advancement: Romania progresses to the knockouts for the first time in 24 years, marking a significant achievement.
• Slovakia’s Progression: Slovakia continues their tournament journey, aiming to build on their strong performances.

Conclusion

Both teams will head into the Round of 16 with momentum from a hard-fought draw, prepared to challenge their next opponents. The match in Frankfurt, defined by goals, weather, and historical milestones, sets the stage for an exciting continuation of their UEFA Euro 2024 campaigns.