Following an impressive performance in the qualifiers, Romania is eager to make a strong impact in Euro 2024. The Tricolours are paired with Slovakia, Ukraine and Belgium in Group E making their path into the knockouts difficult. However, manager Edward Iordănescu is confident about his side’s potential to make more than just numbers in the tournament. Romania’s campaign in Euro 2024 begins on Monday, 17 June 2024 against Ukraine in Munich.
History
Romania has featured in five European Championships before 2024 with their best run coming in the 2000 edition when they reached the quarterfinals. After finishing bottom of the group in the first two appearances in 1980 and 1996, the Tricolours finished second behind Portugal and a point ahead of England, defeating them with a late penalty in the decider, to make it to the last eight when they were eliminated by eventual runners-up Italy. Romania failed to win a single game in their previous Euros in 2016. They finished bottom of their group by losing to France, drawing with Switzerland and even suffering defeat against debutant Albania in the final group game.
Qualification to Euro 2024
Collecting 22 points from 14 games with six wins, four draws and no loss to show makes Romania’s qualifying campaign remarkable. Edward Iordănescu’s team also finished five points ahead of second-placed Switzerland to make their place in the Euro 2024 group stage. They were one of the few teams in the qualifiers that did not concede more than five goals. The defensive stronghold was reflected in Romania’s two goalless draws against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein in pre-Euro friendlies. However, the scoring issue was highlighted as well.
Romania squad for Euro 2024
Goalkeepers: Florin Niță (Gaziantep), Horațiu Moldovan (Atlético Madrid), Ștefan Târnovanu (FCSB)
Defenders: Andrei Rațiu (Rayo Vallecano), Radu Drăgușin (Tottenham Hotspur), Adrian Rus (Pafos), Ionuț Nedelcearu ( Palermo), Nicușor Bancu (Universitatea Craiova), Andrei Burcă (Al-Okhdood), Vasile Mogoș (CFR Cluj), Bogdan Racovițan (Raków)
Midfielders: Marius Marin (Pisa), Alexandru Cicâldău (Konyaspor), Ianis Hagi ( Alavés), Valentin Mihăilă (Parma), Darius Olaru (FCSB), Florinel Coman (FCSB), Răzvan Marin (Empoli, on loan from Cagliari), Dennis Man (Parma), Nicolae Stanciu (Damac), Deian Sorescu (Gaziantep), Adrian Șut (FCSB)
Forwards: Denis Drăguș (Gaziantep), George Pușcaș (Bari, on loan from Genoa), Daniel Bîrligea (CFR Cluj), Denis Alibec (Muaither)
Captain: Nicolae Stanciu
Manager: Edward Iordănescu
Romania’s faith in the tournament will depend on the performance of their star players. The focus will be on young centre-back Radu Drăgușin who made the ambitious move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspurs this January. Goalkeeper Horațiu Moldovan is a vital player between the sticks keeping five clean sheets during qualifiers and in the two pre-Euro friendlies last week. Romania has a problem with the number nine position with none of the forwards being an automatic choice for Edward Iordănescu. However, talents like Ianis Hagi will hope to fill up the void. 31-year-old Nicolae Stanciu will lead the side in the tournament.
Formation: How will Romania Lineup at Euro 2024?
Romania Fixtures for Euro 2024
Monday, 17 June 2024
Romania vs Ukraine - Allianz Arena, Munich (18:30)
Sunday, 23 June 2024
Belgium vs Romania - RheinEnergieStadion, Koln (00:30)
Wednesday, 26 June 2024
Slovakia vs Romania - Waldstadion, Frankfurt (21:30)
