Romania and Slovakia both qualified for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 after a 1-1 draw in Frankfurt, which saw Romania finish top of Group E.
Both teams knew a draw would see them through to the round of 16, but the match played out at an entertaining, end-to-end pace.
Slovakia took the lead in the 24th minute thanks to Ondrej Duda’s header, which momentarily turned the group on its head as Slovakia were in front and Romania headed home at the bottom.
But Razvan Marin’s 37th-minute penalty, awarded following a VAR review after David Hancko fouled Ianis Hagi in the box, put Romania back on track to qualify for the knockout stages.
Both teams threatened to score early in the second half, amid torrential downpours at the Frankfurt Arena that forced both goalkeepers into saves.
But the match slowed as the clock entered the final 15 minutes, with both teams settling for a point and the final whistle was met with celebrations from both sides.
Romania were particularly happy to have topped Group E after Belgium’s goalless draw against Ukraine, which saw the Red Devils finish second and will now face France in the round of 16.
But Romania’s opponents in the round of 16 are still to be confirmed, with the remaining matches in Group F determining whether they will face the third-placed team in Group C or D, which will be either Slovenia or the Netherlands.
Slovakia, which is among the best thirds, could face England or Spain in the round of 16.
Francesco Calzona’s side edged Ukraine on goal difference, with all four teams in Group E finishing on four points.
