Florin Nita: We are writing the history of this beautiful country. I am happy to be part of this team

Basic groups at the 17th European Championship are history. The most balanced was definitely Group E, where all teams got four points. The Black Peter was finally drawn by Ukraine and because of the bad score they are leaving the tournament.

Romania played a key match right at the start of the tournament, when they surprisingly handled Ukraine 3:0. Romania showed great productivity as they only had the ball 34% of the time.

Even the subsequent loss to Belgium was not a complication. Youri Tielemans opened the scoring in the second minute, but the group favourite only added one more goal.

In the match against Slovakia, a draw was enough for the Romanian team, as it was for the team of Italian strategist Francesco Calzona. The 1:1 draw will probably not surprise anyone.

With Belgium and Ukraine also drawing, the Romanians have retained their place at the top of the group. In the eighth round they will face the Netherlands, who will definitely enter the match as a paper favourite.

Belgium, who will face France in the second place, will advance. Slovakia will play England, so it is possible that all three teams in Group E will finish before the quarter-finals.

“I am happy to be part of this great team. We are making history in this beautiful country. The fans were amazing, I’m glad they were there for us during the game,” said goalkeeper Florin Nita after the match against Slovakia.

“I felt their presence during both halves and that is why I would like to thank them for their efforts to make the trip and support us during all three games,” added the former Sparta and Pardubice goalkeeper.

Source: UEFA, EURO 2024