Romania and Slovakia both through with draw as Marin penalty cancels out Duda header
Slovakia and Romania secured their place in the Round of 16 at Euro 2024 with a 1-1 draw in Group C.
For the first time ever, all four sides in the group were level on points heading into the final game.
Slovakia looked dangerous from the off and took the lead after a perfect cross from Peter Pekarik found Ondrej Duda who headed home unchallenged.
Just before half-time, Romania were awarded a controversial penalty after a VAR check and Razvan Marin smashed it into the top corner.
Both teams started to ease off towards the end knowing that a point would be enough to see them through to the knockout stages.
It’s just the second time they have made it out of the group at the European Championship, the other coming in 2000 at the expense of England.
Thankfully they avoid the Three Lions for now and will face either the Netherlands or Slovenia in the last 16.
As for Slovakia, their third-placed finish also leaves them waiting and they could face either Spain or England.
Talking Point – Romania the surprise package
When the draw for Euro 2024 was made Group E looked relatively straightforward, with Belgium widely expected to finish first with maximum points.
However, Romania’s sensational opening day 3-0 victory against Ukraine and The Red Devils’ shock loss to Slovakia blew things wide open.
Sometimes facing an underdog who have nothing to lose is harder, and the Tricolours’ performances would leave even the top sides vulnerable.
The Euros very rarely go according to the script, the drama is what makes it exciting, and Romania will fancy their chances of going even further now.
Player of the Match – Andrei Ratiu (Romania)
Romania withstood a lot of pressure from Slovakia in the first half and Ratiu helped deal with it well.
It was a fascinating contest between him and Lukas Haraslin down the left flank, and not only did Ratiu stop the winger on several occasions, but he was also a threat going forward.
Player Ratings
Slovakia: Dubravka 7, Pekarik 8, Skriniar 7, Hancko 6, Vavro 7, Haraslin 6, Duda 8, Strelec 6, Kucka 6, Lobotka 7, Schranz 5, Gyomber 5, Suslov 5, Bozenik 5, Duris 5, Bero 5.
Romania: Nita 7, Ratiu 9, Dragusin 7, M Marin 7, Hagi 6, Bancu 5, Burca 5, Coman 5, R Marin 6, Dragus 6, Stanciu 6, Rus 5, Puscas 5, Man 6, Sorescu 5.
Match Highlights
24′ – GOAL! SLOVAKIA 1-0 ROMANIA (DUDA) – A cross from the 37-year-old Peter Pekarik found Ondrej Duda who headed into the back of the net unchallenged.
37′ – GOAL! SLOVAKIA 1-1 ROMANIA (R.MARIN) – Razvan Marin smashed a controvesially penalty into the top left hand corner. The referee initally gave a free-kick but VAR thought the fould was inside the box.
Key Stats
TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media
