The match against the hosts was played with Ukraine in a leading position within their group, as they had won 2-0 against Croatia three days earlier — 2:0. In turn, Romania conceded to Spain (0:3), so there was no room for retreat: to qualify for the quarter-finals, they needed points. Ruslan Rotan made only one change in the starting lineup, keeping Bрагара on the bench and bringing in Sіdakov.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

In the early minutes, the hosts pushed forward, while Ukraine's play showed some hesitation. This resulted in a shot from Muntian over the upper near post and another attempt that went into Trubin’s hands. The blue-and-yellow team responded with a one-on-one opportunity for Kachuk after receiving a pass from Braiko, but Oleksiy lost his duel against the goalkeeper. Later, Krisikov tested Tirnovan with a shot from an angle.

Soon Romania created chances, but Petreli missed on a ricochet attempt and Markovic failed to hit the near post after playing in from a flank cross. In turn, Rotan's players did well combining at the entrance to the opponents' penalty area. Kachuk had another great chance when Sіdakov provided him with a precise pass, but once again the goalkeeper saved for the hosts.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

At the 39th minute, a combination between Bondarenko-Krisikov-Kachuk ended with Kachuk's shot near the post. Before halftime, Romania also managed to create an opportunity — Markovic attempted from the edge of the penalty area, but Trubin pulled off a save.

The second half began with Ukraine’s attack. On the 56th minute, Sіkan had a chance to score after Sych's cross hit the crossbar. A moment later, Sіdakov tested the opposing goalkeeper again. Romania responded with their own opportunity — Markovic played in Albu for a shot that went wide of the post.

Photo by Pavel Kubanov

In the last half-hour of the match, Ukraine had a clear advantage. On the 85th minute, Braiko set up Vаnat for an attempt from a tight angle, but he failed to beat the goalkeeper. However, shortly after, blue-and-yellow managed to break through Tirnovan — Bрагара broke down the left flank and crossed, and Dіkan put the ball into his own net.

In the added time, there were plenty of emotions; Vаnat even received a straight red card. Nevertheless, Ukraine held on to their lead 1-0 and now have six points in total.

UEFA Euro 2023 (U-21). Final tournament. Group B

Matchday 2

Romania (U-21) — Ukraine (U-21) — 0:1 (0:0)

Goal: Dіkan (89, own goal).

Romania (U-21): Tirnovanu, Pantя, Rakovican, Dіkan, Cіcu, Lixandru (Pop, 82), Sкречу (к) (Kіmanu, 82), Iştfan, Muntianu (Albu, 57), Petreli (Popescu, 57), Markovic (Berlіdja, 68).

Substitutes: Popa, Gorca, Miculescu, Borza, Maziуlu, Pitu, Dumitrescu.

Coach: Emil Şenoi.

Ukraine (U-21): Trubin, Sych, Talovеrov, Batagov, Vіvcharenko, Bondarenko (к) (Ocheretnyk, 86), Braiko (Zhelyzko, 86), Kachuk (V'yunyk, 77), Sidakov, Krisikov (Bрагара, 68), Sіkan (Vanat, 68).

Substitutes: Nescheret, Fesюn, Syrota, Saluk, Mudryk, Lяh, Nazarenko.

Coach: Ruslan Rotanь.

Referee: Morten Krogh (Denmark).

Yellow cards: Cіcu (13), Petreli (30), Rakovican (90+1), Albu (90+1), Dumitrescu (90+4, off the field).

Red card: Vanat (90+2).

June 24. Bucharest. Stadium "Stadionu" (Stadium).

Spain — Croatia — 1:0 (1:0)

Standings

Matchday 3

June 27, 2023

Croatia — Romania 9:45 PM (Bucharest)

Spain — Ukraine 9:45 PM (Bucharest)