![Romania's players celebrate at the end](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383484382_17194250180950_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq8jWyxvP9pmIYP_osKFfWzwXzUYNHOQzQsNe2U_fQBKU.jpeg?imwidth=680)
Romania and Slovakia into Euro 2024 knockout stage after draw
![Romania's players celebrate at the end](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383484382_17194250180950_trans_NvBQzQNjv4Bq8jWyxvP9pmIYP_osKFfWzwXzUYNHOQzQsNe2U_fQBKU.jpeg?imwidth=680)
The conspiracy theorists can stand down. Slovakia and Romania got the draw they needed to reach the last 16, eliminating Ukraine in the process, but this was no Gijon-style carve-up. At times, especially during a frenetic, physical first half, it was closer to a tear-up.
Belgium’s goalless draw with Ukraine means that Romania top Group E and will face either Slovenia or the Netherlands in the last 16. Slovakia, who went through as one of the best third-placed teams, meet Spain or England.
The match started in blistering heat, which made the pace of the first half even more impressive. Slovakia’s neat, precise football was rewarded in the 24th minute when Ondrej Duda strained his neck muscles to guide an excellent header past Florin Nita.
Romania equalised 13 minutes later with the help of VAR. Ianis Hagi, son of Gheorghe, was tripped by David Hancko, with contact made both inside and outside the area. The referee originally gave a free-kick but was advised to change his decision.
There was nothing indecisive about Razvan Marin’s penalty, slammed into the top corner after a short run-up.
The pace dropped in the second half, partly because of a biblical thunderstorm that made an already dodgy Frankfurt pitch even worse, but it was only in the last few minutes that the two teams settled for a point.
Romania and Slovakia draw to both reach last 16: As it happened
FT: Slovakia 1 Romania 1
Slovakia and Romania are through to the last 16. A draw was enough for both teams, which led to a few conspiracy theories beforehand, but there was nothing fishy about this game. Both teams gave everything, particularly during an intense first half, and only truly settled for a draw in the last few minutes.
75 min: Slovakia 1 Romania 1
By Tom Morgan in Frankfurt
The sudden outbreak of torrential rain is now clearing up a bit - but the ball is really holding up on the sodden pitch. Significantly reduces the likelihood of a goal-laden finish to this match as both sides are exerting more caution. Match finely balanced.
69 min: Slovakia 1 Romania 1
It’s still goalless in the other game, which means Ukraine are going out as things stand. Should that happen, they can have no complaints about this match so far. Both teams are still trying to land punches, even if they are covering up.
The rainfall in the last 10 minutes has been so heavy that the ball is already starting to hold up.
65 min: Slovakia 1 Romania 1
As Dion Dublin notes on the BBC coverage, this rain won’t do much for an already inadequate Frankfurt pitch.
Haraslin - sign him up, somebody - cuts inside from the left and flashes a curling shot just wide of the far post. He might have been offside, looking at the replay, but it was a lovely effort. He looks a superb player.
![Lukas Haraslin's shot flies just wide.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383479658_17194231221900_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg?imwidth=350)
61 min: Slovakia 1 Romania 1
The thunderstorm has arrived, and Romania almost take the lead on a couple of occasions. First Razvan Marin’s no-backlift shot from the edge of the area is pushed away by the diving Dubravka, then Dragus arrows a thrilling drive that just clears the crossbar and hits the back stanchion.
It is pelting down now. Biblical rain.
![The rain pours down in Frankfurt.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383479340_17194228417270_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwauvwQN9t1fP0ffle5vRErs.jpeg?imwidth=350)
HT: Ukraine 0-0 Belgium
It’s goalless in the other Group E game, the result of which may have a bearing on whether Slovakia and Romania qualify for the last 16. You can follow that game with Rob Bagchi.
![A laser is shone at Kevin De Bruyne's face.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383475632_17194214416480_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqzpLIMkIGUMcygT0RwMtmykikPYR0xYwuEBLwP9UFqPg.jpeg?imwidth=350)
HT: Slovakia 1 Romania 1
A draw is enough for both teams, and that’s the state of play in Frankfurt. But this has been less of a carve-up and more of a tear-up, a genuinely exciting first half played with an intensity that belied the 30-degree heat.
Ondrej Duda put Slovakia ahead with a superb header, then Razvan Marin equalised with a majestic penalty. As things stand Romania will win the group, Belgium will play France in the last 16 and England’s opponents will be either the Netherlands or Slovakia.
![Ondrej Duda celebrates his goal.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383475061_17194208654840_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqqVzuuqpFlyLIwiB6NTmJwUvPebMlFCzRlZjvxI3zR38.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Goal!
Slovakia 1 Romania (Duda 24) Ondrej Duda gives Slovakia the lead! It was a simple but excellent goal. Pekarik received a crossfield pass on the right, turned and laid the ball back to Kucka. He whipped an early cross to the far post, where Duda strained his neck muscles to guide a header back across Nita and into the net. That’s a quietly superb header.
23 min: Slovakia 0 Romania 0
By Tom Morgan in Frankfurt
Despite temperatures tipping 30C at Frankfurt Arena, both Slovakia and Romania are getting their opportunities - which is heartening to see given a dour stalemate would send both nations through. Slovakia have yet to beat Romania in eight previous attempts but have looked marginally more effective in possession. Big day for Ianis Hagi, son of the great Romanian playmaker Gheorghe, making his major tournament debut - but he has yet to get a foothold in the game.
In such stifling heat, however, it will be no surprise if both teams start to take foot off gas. All four teams in Group E are level on three points - if there are two draws this afternoon, Ukraine go out because of their minus-two goal difference.
17 min: Slovakia 0 Romania 0
Nothing much has happened in the last few minutes. Both teams are still going for it though, so it’s certainly not a carve-up. That might change if it’s goalless with 10 minutes remaining.
![David Strelec and Andrei Ratiu battle for possession.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383469782_17194189759730_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg?imwidth=350)
11 min: Slovakia 0 Romania 0
Good save by Dubravka! Ratiu wanders across the field from right-back, a mirror image of Paul Breitner, then plays a one-two with Coman and shapes a curler towards the far corner. Dubravka pushes it away and Hagi sprays the rebound over the bar from a tight angle.
![Martin Dubravka saves from Andrei Ratiu.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383469312_17194187113770_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg?imwidth=350)
9 min: Slovakia 0 Romania 0
A quick throw on the left finds Hasalin (I think), who booms a dangerous cross towards the far post that is headed behind for the first corner.
Hasalin’s outswinging corner is met by Kucka, but he sees the ball late and heads it into the ground rather than straight at goal. The ball bounces into the arms of Nita.
![Romania goalkeeper Florin Nita makes a comfortable save.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383468833_17194185780900_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqA7N2CxnJWnYI3tCbVBgu9T0aesusvN1TE7a0ddd_esI.jpeg?imwidth=350)
5 min: Slovakia 0 Romania 0
It’s been an intense start to the game, with a pace that is surely unsustainable in this heat. Romania in particular look bang up for it; this is a home game of sorts for them, with most of the crowd wearing yellow.
![Ragu Dragusin is challenged by David Strelec.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383468062_17194182695510_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqZjHC1CawyhCYfmdoGgKrwGWz0gITew9BG2xBa2KeNKA.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Here come the players
It looks really warm in Frankfurt. These are the men who will be running around in the heat any second now.
Slovakia (4-3-3) Dubravka; Pekarík, Vavro, Skriniar, Hancko; Lobotka, Kucka, Duda; Schranz, Strelec, Haraslin.
Romania (4-1-4-1) Nita; Ratiu, Dragusin, Burca, Bancu; M Marin, Hagi, R Marin, Stanciu, Coman; Dragus.
![The players line up for the anthems.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383466198_17194176891500_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqpVlberWd9EgFPZtcLiMQf0Rf_Wk3V23H2268P_XkPxc.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Look, it’s complicated
These are the permutations in Group E, taken from the official Uefa site. Essentially Romania and Slovakia need a draw to be certain of qualification. They could go through if they lose, depending on the result of Ukraine v Belgium.
Romania will be through to the round of 16, in the top two, if they avoid defeat by Slovakia. Romania will be unable to reach the round of 16 if they lose and Ukraine avoid defeat.
Slovakia will be through to the round of 16, at least as a best third-placed team, if they avoid defeat by Romania. Slovakia will be unable to reach the round of 16 in fourth place if they lose and Belgium avoid defeat.
Ukraine will be through to the round of 16, in the top two, if they beat Belgium, or as a best third-placed team if they draw and the other game is not drawn. Ukraine will be unable to reach the round of 16 in fourth place if they lose and Slovakia avoid defeat, or if both games are drawn.
In the event that both games are drawn, the four teams will finish equal on four points. The following scenarios would then come into play:
A) If the two draws have the same scoreline, or if Belgium vs Ukraine is a draw with fewer goals than Slovakia vs Romania, the group ranking would be based on goal difference and goals scored and would be:
1) Romania
2) Belgium
3) Slovakia
4) UkraineB: If the two draws have different scorelines, the following scenarios are anticipated:
If Belgium vs Ukraine ends 1-1 and Slovakia vs Romania ends 0-0, or any pair of results where Belgium score exactly one more goal than Romania in their draw, Belgium and Romania would occupy the first two positions in the group but would be equal on goal difference and goals scored. In that case, as per article 20.01d of the official competition regulations, the head-to-head criteria is reapplied exclusively to those two teams, which would mean Belgium ahead of Romania as they won their direct match. Slovakia would be third and Ukraine fourth on goal difference.
In all other scenarios, Romania and Belgium would occupy the top two spots in the group, split on goals scored. Belgium will win the group if they score two (or more) goals more than Romania in their draw; Romania would win the group if they score more goals than Belgium in their draw. Slovakia would finish ahead of Ukraine in third place based on goal difference.
All to play for in Frankfurt
By Theo Gardner
All tied on three points, with one win and one loss each, any of the four teams in Group E could progress through to the knockouts. Likewise, any of the sides could top the group, and any of them could crash out in fourth place. It’s likely to be a dramatic and nervous afternoon of football.
Romania are top of the group on goal difference, having put three past the Ukrainian defence in their opener. It was an emphatic start to the tournament for the Tricolorii, who scored three goals in a European Championship game for the first time since their famous win over England in 2000.
Their lightning start slowed in the second game of the tournament as they fell victim to a 2-0 loss against a strong Belgium side. They spent the whole game in an uphill battle after going 1-0 down just two minutes in courtesy of a strike from Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans.
Slovakia have not beat Romania since 1942. But they stunned Belgium in their opener, winning 1-0 after Ivan Schranz pounced on a defensive mistake just seven minutes in.
Schranz bagged early on again against Ukraine; however Francesco Clazona’s men would ultimately lose the fixture 2-1. They now sit third in the group with a goal difference of 0.
While supporting their side in Frankfurt, both sets of fans will have one eye on the Ukraine-Belgium fixture, happening at the same time in Stuttgart. With the group so delicately balanced, we could see factors such as goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head record and even fair play determine the group’s final standings.
For both teams tonight, a draw is enough to ensure a place in the last 16.
The winners of the group will book a fixture against a third-placed side, while the team that progresses in second place is faced with the daunting task of playing France in the next round.
![Romania last reached the knockout stage of a major tournament at Euro 2000, when Gheorghe Hagi was coming to the end of his glorious career.](/https/www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/football/2024/06/26/TELEMMGLPICT000383455383_17194131025820_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqLoH7NlioJUgvNGxc7kNJh7QhCpsJmCWlSWt_yfzANGk.jpeg?imwidth=350)
Good afternoon
Hello and welcome to live, minute-by-minute coverage of the crucial Group E match between Slovakia and Romania in Frankfurt. This one comes with a guarantee of either drama or controversy. Drama because all four teams in Group E are on three points, so there’s ample scope for an injury-time goal that turns the group upside down. Controversy because Slovakia and Romania know a draw will guarantee a place in the last 16, so there’s the chance of a mutually agreeable détente.
There will be uproar if we do get the European Championship’s answer to the Disgrace of Gijon, especially as it would probably eliminate Ukraine. I can’t see it, certainly not from the first whistle. But if it’s level after 80 minutes, don’t expect too many third-man runs.
“We are professionals,” said Slovakia’s Italian coach Francesco Calzona. “We know that the draw might help us to qualify for the last 16, but that doesn’t mean anything because we want to play our own match. “We deserve this opportunity to progress - nobody gave anything for free. We have played good football.”We hope we can win. If we will draw and this will allow us to progress, well then we will welcome that.”
Calzona’s opposite number, Edward Iordanescu, knows Romania will finish top of the group if they win and Belgium don’t beat Ukraine. “We want to win the group,” he said. “If you do that you at least theoretically have a certain advantage, especially in terms of extra rest days and also of the opponents [though it could well be the Netherlands]. But the most important thing is to qualify, this is our objective.”
The permutations are endless and also depend on the game between Ukraine and Belgium, which you can follow here with the great Rob Bagchi.
Both games kick off at 5pm.