After a rapid start, Slovakia took the lead with a wonderful header from Ondrej Duda (24′). Romania, however, only shook themselves off briefly and struck back just 13 minutes later. After a foul on Ianis Hagi on the edge of the penalty area, Razvan Marin safely converted the resulting penalty to make it 1:1 (37′). In the second half, too, both teams did not put their foot on the handbrake and looked for a decision. Ultimately, the game ended in a thrilling draw that was fair on both teams’ performances.
The 0:0 draw in the parallel match between Belgium and Ukraine means that Romania is now the group winner, and its opponent in the round of 16 will only be decided after the evening’s matches in Group F. Slovenia or the Netherlands are possible opponents. Slovakia finished third in Group E and will therefore face Spain or England in the round of 16.
Duda scores 1-0 for Slovakia (24th)
Kucka plays the ball into the center to Duda, who sinks it into the goal with a perfect header.
The question before kick-off was whether a second Gijon was imminent: A non-aggression pact ensured that Germany and Austria reached the next round at the 1982 World Cup in Spain – at the expense of Algeria, which had already finished the group phase and was eliminated. Given the strange starting position with four teams on the same number of points, both the Romanians, who were in first place before the last matchday, and the third-placed Slovakians knew that a draw would guarantee them a place in the knockout round.
“We are playing for group victory”
Romania and Slovakia therefore tried to nip speculation about a match-fixing in the bud and backed up their words with actions. After all, a win for both teams would have put them in first place and, as group winners, would have allowed them to avoid strong opponents such as Spain, France or England in the round of 16.
“Guys, my message is clear. We are playing for first place, we are playing to win the group. Just as we gave everything every second before, we will now and always give everything every second,” said Romanian team manager Edward Iordanescu.
IMAGO/Shutterstock/Kieran Mcmanus Despite the draw, the duel was a thrilling game, and the weather was also varied, from sunshine to cloudbursts
The 46-year-old made two changes to his starting eleven compared to the 0-2 defeat against Belgium. Florinel Coman and Ianis Hagi, son of Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi, started from the beginning. Dennis Man, who provided two assists in the 3-0 win against Ukraine in the opening match, and Valentin Mihaila initially took a seat on the bench. Slovakian team manager Francesco Calzona also trusted his starting eleven, which had surprised everyone with a 1-0 win against Belgium in the opening match, but had to admit defeat to Ukraine 1-2 in the second group match. Only David Strelec was preferred as striker over Robert Bozenik.
Both teams refrain from testing
Both teams tried to dispel any fears of a passing game from the start and went about their work quite boldly despite the high summer temperatures. The Romanians were the first to make an appearance in front of the opposing goal. Andrei Ratiu powered his way through the defensive line and shot after a one-two with Coman. Goalie Martin Dubravka was able to distinguish himself with a flying save (11th minute). On the other side, Florin Nita cleared a corner kick in front of Strelec (15th minute).
And the Slovakians remained dangerous with high balls. Three Slovakians initially narrowly missed a free kick from Lukas Haraslin (22nd minute), but Duda then headed a cross from Juraj Kucka into the net with a spectacular header that was unstoppable for goalkeeper Nita to put them in the lead (24th minute). The cold shower and subsequent drink break clearly did the Romanians good in temperatures of over 30 degrees Celsius, and they moved the game into the Slovakian half and pushed for an equalizer.
Marin scores from the penalty spot to equalize (37.)
Razvan Marin scores the penalty after a foul by David Hancko on Ianis Hagi and places the ball powerfully in the top left corner.
Deserved equaliser through penalty
First, Ratiu tried again from distance (33′), but Dubravka parried on the follow-up. Then Hagi moved into the penalty area from the right and was brought down by David Hancko. The first contact took place outside the penalty area, the second – which referee Daniel Siebert decided was the decisive one after studying the video – inside.
Marius Marin took advantage of the resulting penalty to score the deserved equaliser (37′). The game continued at a rapid pace, a long-range shot from Razvan Marin missed the target (43′), and on the other side Ratiu cleared the ball from Hancko (45’+3). After a surprisingly fast-paced first half, the score remained stalemate, as did the table, as no goal had been scored in the parallel match between Ukraine and Belgium.
debate
How far will Austria get in the European Championship?
After the break, the game continued without any changes to either the line-up or the game system. At first, neither team found any gaps, but the 46,000 spectators had to wait for the first great chance as a summer storm approached. Then the game picked up speed again on the offensive. Romanian goalkeeper Nita was just able to clear a ricochet (50th minute), while on the other side Dubravka shone when Haraslin shot from a tight angle (52nd minute). Then the heavens opened and the game continued in pouring rain.
The downpour had no effect on the entertaining game, and the already battered pitch in the sold-out Frankfurt Arena held up, and the game continued to go back and forth. Marin failed to stop Romania from taking the lead in a double chance (61st minute), while Nita parried a powerful shot from Strelec with her foot (64th minute). In the end, both teams did not take any more risks and were happy with the draw that was enough to secure promotion.
UEFA Euro 2024, Group E, third matchday
Wednesday:
Slovakia – Romania 1:1 (1:1)
Frankfurt, 46,000 spectators, SR Siebert (GER)
Torfolge:
1:0 Duda (24.)
1:1 R. Marin (37./penalty)
Slovakia: Dubravka – Pekarik (92./Gyömber), Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko – Kucka, Lobotka, Duda (92./Bero) – Schranz (78./Duris), Strelec (70./Bozenik), Haraslin (70./Suslov )
Romania: Nita – Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu – M. Marin – Hagi (66./Man), R. Marin (86./Rus), Stanciu, Coman (58./Sorescu) – Dragus (67./Puscas)
Yellow cards: Duda or Burca, Bancu, Puscas Iordanescu (coach)
