Romania vs Ukraine: Preview, lineups and predictions 

The European Championship finals have historically not been kind to Romania, who have won just one of their 16 matches in the tournament. They will be hoping for a better return this summer, though, especially since they have finished five points clear at the top of their qualification group.

Ukraine’s route to the Euro 2024 finals was less straightforward as they had to qualify via the play-offs following a third-place qualification finish. Serhiy Rebrov’s men were in a tricky group, though, and did manage to finish level on points with reigning champions Italy.

For two nations that can realistically hope to reach the knockout stages, this is an important test for them. Ukraine are the favourites for the clash but only one country has defeated Romania since November 2022.

• Location: Munich
• Stadium: Munich Football Arena (Allianz Arena)
• Date: 17 June 2024
• Kick-off Time: 14:00 CEST (14:00 BST)
• Referee: Glenn Nyberg
• VAR: Rob Dieperink

Romania Team News

Although he may not be a prolific goalscorer, Romania will have been grateful to see forward Denis Alibec back in full training. The 33-year-old was a major doubt for this clash, but he trained with full intensity during the team session on Wednesday. This leaves Romania manager Edi Iordănescu with few things to worry about ahead of this Group E opener.

Iordănescu must, however, decide who to put alongside Tottenham’s Radu Drăgușin in the heart of defence. Adrian Rus seems more likely to get the nod, but the two-capped Bogdan Racovițan is in contention.

Ukraine Team News

It is largely positive news for Serhiy Rebrov on the injury front. Heorhiy Sudakov’s recovery from a minor problem suffered in May has enabled him to start his country’s last two matches. Similarly, Mykhaylo Mudryk’s head injury, which ruled him out of Chelsea’s end-of-season clash, has not proved serious.

The only real concern surrounds Vitaliy Mykolenko, who only managed 30 minutes against Moldova on Tuesday. Following the results of an MRI scan, though, Rebrov said he was much less concerned now. It is unclear if the Everton man will be ready for this clash, but he has not been ruled out yet.

Romania vs Ukraine H2H Record and Key Numbers

Romania and Ukraine have faced one another six times but never in a competitive fixture. All previous meetings have been friendlies or part of the now-abandoned Cyprus International Football Tournament. Ukraine won one of these tournament matches on penalties, but for UEFA’s records, they consider this a draw, meaning Romania narrowly leads the overall H2H record.

Romania have been proven very tough to beat for some time now. Over their last 15 fixtures, they have only lost once, a 3-2 friendly defeat to Colombia. Ukraine cannot boast anything quite this impressive but their pre-tournament form has been solid. Across their last eight matches the Synio-Zhovti have won five and lost just one.

Possible Lineups

• Romania (4-5-1): Nița – Rațiu, Drăgușin, Rus, Bancu – Man, Stanciu, Marius Marin, Răzvan Marin, Mihăila – Alibec
• Ukraine (4-5-1): Lunin – Konoplia, Zabarnyi, Matviyenko, Mykolenko – Tsygankov, Zinchenko, Stepanenko, Sudakov, Mudryk – Dovbyk

Where to Watch Romania vs Ukraine Euro 2024 – TV and Online Live Streaming

Viewers in Romania can tune in to Pro TV to catch the action, while Ukrainian residents need to access Megogo. For the UK audience, BBC One will be airing the clash.

Romania vs Ukraine Prediction

This is not the easiest game to call, as there is not a huge amount between these teams. Ukraine have the stronger side on paper but Romania make up for a lesser attacking threat with some real defensive solidity. With seven of Romania’s last 10 games seeing under 2.5 goals, that is my main tip for this match. For a more ambitious Romania vs Ukraine prediction, I would go for a 1-1 draw, particularly as many Romania matches of late have ended all square.