Romania won at a major international tournament for the first time in 24 years on Monday (Jun 17) as they beat Ukraine 3-0 at Euro 2024, helped by two errors from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Romania won at a major international tournament for the first time in 24 years on Monday (Jun 17) as they beat Ukraine 3-0 at Euro 2024, helped by two errors from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin. Captain Nicolae Stanciu's magnificent long-range strike gave Romania, backed by the vast majority of the Munich crowd, a first-half lead in their Group E opener. Razvan Marin's shot from distance then skipped under Lunin as Romania turned the screw with two more goals before the hour, Denis Dragus tapping home the third. It was a disastrous start to the campaign for Ukraine, who must quickly regroup with games to follow against Slovakia and Belgium. Ukraine players emerged onto the pitch with Ukrainian flags draped over their shoulders in the country's first game at a major tournament since the Russian invasion in February 2022. They missed out on qualifying for the World Cup two years ago but secured a fourth successive appearance at the Euros, despite the backdrop of the largest European conflict since World War II. Three years ago Ukraine reached the quarter-finals under Andriy Shevchenko. But a lot has changed since for a country ravaged by war, with his former striker partner Serhiy Rebrov now in charge. Rebrov confided that simply taking part in Germany, where more than a million Ukrainians have found refuge, is an important step for the nation. He said he had received countless messages from people back home, including those fighting on the front line, and that it was up to his team to "show the spirit" of Ukraine in troubled times. Also read | 'People talk rubbish': Jude Bellingham shuts Trent Alexander-Arnold's critics after England win 'Worse was to come' Romania advanced through qualifying unbeaten but had not won in four games this year ahead of their return to the big stage after missing out on Euro 2020. Their last and only previous win at the tournament came when they reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2000. Ukraine probed early on a warm afternoon at the Allianz Arena without success and paid the price for inviting pressure on themselves which led to a misplaced clearance from Lunin. The Real Madrid stopper played the ball straight to Dennis Man, who slid a pass across for Stanciu to rifle a sensational 20-yard strike into the top corner. Lunin was immediately consoled by Oleksandr Zinchenko, but he was nearly beaten again minutes later by Stanciu, this time directly from a corner. Also read | Star striker Kylian Mbappe unavailable for Paris Olympics after Real Madrid move After a deflected Man effort fizzed just wide, Stanciu's inswinging corner glanced off the bar with the backpedalling Ukraine 'keeper flapping at thin air. Worse was to come for Lunin as following a swift Romanian counter-attack, Marin fired a crisp low strike from 25 yards that appeared to deceive him for pace eight minutes into the second half. Dragus effectively wrapped up the victory shortly after when he prodded in as Man knocked the ball across the six-yard box following a well-worked short corner. Romania goalkeeper Florin Nita saved well from Georgiy Sudakov late on before substitute Roman Yaremchuk's lob grazed the bar on its way over, encapsulating what was a day to forget for Ukraine.

Euro 2024: Romania bundle toothless Ukraine 3-0 to kickstart campaign

Ukrainian football great Andriy Shevchenko has told AFP his country's presence at Euro 2024 that kicks off on Friday has been a triumph over adversity and will "remind the world of what we are going through".

Ukraine qualified through the play-offs and start their campaign against Romania in Munich on Monday.

The Ukrainians entertain hopes of reaching the knockout stages having been drawn in a group which also comprises Slovakia and Belgium.

As head coach, Shevchenko guided Ukraine to the last eight in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 but his former Dynamo Kyiv strike partner Serhiy Rebrov has worked wonders to even get them to Germany.

The 50-year-old has had to contend with the immense disruption, not to say heightened anxiety of the players, due to the war in his country sparked by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade in February 2022.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/english-and-french-footballers-sue-fifa-for-revamped-club-world-cup-731465">English and French footballers sue FIFA for revamped Club World Cup</a>

Shevchenko, who is now president of the Ukrainian Football Association, and Rebrov are once again looked to by an expectant Ukrainian public to deliver -- they were part of the squad that reached the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals, which were also played in Germany.

<h2>- Every victory crucial -</h2>

Shevchenko, the son of a soldier, is justifiably proud of the resilience and spirit the team has shown in reaching the finals.

"There are two components here," he told AFP in an interview by email. "On the one hand we showed we are competitive and continue to excel in football even during the war.

"On the other, and more importantly, we proudly represent Ukraine and remind the world about what we are going through."

Shevchenko says that just as Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Tyson Fury to become unified heavyweight boxing world champion last month lifted morale, so a win in any of their matches at the Euros could work similar magic.

"Every victory for our country, both on and off the pitch, is crucial for every Ukrainian and especially for those who defend it right now."

When players talk of pressure it is usually about performing well in front of their fanatical fans but for some of the Ukrainian players it has been a far more serious issue of training under the daily threat of air raids.

Shevchenko is appreciative that other countries have welcomed the national side in playing their 'home' matches on foreign turf but admits preparations for the championships for some have been stressful, to say the least.

"The most difficult in our job is adapting to the quickly changing environment affected by the war," said the 47-year-old. "We have to work through many restrictions, including safety requirements, air raids, missiles attacks from Russia, curfews and blackouts.

"These issues make it harder to function, but we are managing well.”

Shevchenko may be Rebrov's boss now but they hope their two names alone will strike fear into the hearts of their opponents, just as they once did when they teamed up for Dynamo Kyiv in the 1990s.

Their partnership not only inspired Dynamo to dominate domestic football but also shone in the Champions League, reaching the 1999 semi-finals.

However, while Shevchenko was to flourish abroad winning the Champions League with AC Milan and being awarded the 2004 Ballon d’Or, Rebrov floundered at Tottenham and West Ham.

Nevertheless Shevchenko is confident Rebrov can deliver at Euro 2024 with what he says is the youngest squad at European football's showpiece.

"We immediately connected because we both understand how the other thinks," said Shevchenko. "Our mindset and views on football are the same.

"The role of head coach is all about dedication, hard work, focus and discipline.

"Being the manager of Ukraine comes with certain pressures and expectations, and I know he is managing that well."

Ukrainian football great Andriy Shevchenko has told AFP his country's presence at Euro 2024 that kicks off on Friday has been a triumph over adversity and will "remind the world of what we are going through".

Ukrainian football great Andriy Shevchenko has told AFP his country's presence at Euro 2024 that kicks off on Friday has been a triumph over adversity and will "remind the world of what we are going through". Ukraine qualified through the play-offs and start their campaign against Romania in Munich on Monday. The Ukrainians entertain hopes of reaching the knockout stages having been drawn in a group which also comprises Slovakia and Belgium. As head coach, Shevchenko guided Ukraine to the last eight in the Covid-delayed Euro 2020 but his former Dynamo Kyiv strike partner Serhiy Rebrov has worked wonders to even get them to Germany. The 50-year-old has had to contend with the immense disruption, not to say heightened anxiety of the players, due to the war in his country sparked by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade in February 2022. ALSO READ: English and French footballers sue FIFA for revamped Club World Cup Shevchenko, who is now president of the Ukrainian Football Association, and Rebrov are once again looked to by an expectant Ukrainian public to deliver -- they were part of the squad that reached the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals, which were also played in Germany. - Every victory crucial - Shevchenko, the son of a soldier, is justifiably proud of the resilience and spirit the team has shown in reaching the finals. "There are two components here," he told AFP in an interview by email. "On the one hand we showed we are competitive and continue to excel in football even during the war. "On the other, and more importantly, we proudly represent Ukraine and remind the world about what we are going through." Shevchenko says that just as Oleksandr Usyk’s victory over Tyson Fury to become unified heavyweight boxing world champion last month lifted morale, so a win in any of their matches at the Euros could work similar magic. "Every victory for our country, both on and off the pitch, is crucial for every Ukrainian and especially for those who defend it right now." When players talk of pressure it is usually about performing well in front of their fanatical fans but for some of the Ukrainian players it has been a far more serious issue of training under the daily threat of air raids. Shevchenko is appreciative that other countries have welcomed the national side in playing their 'home' matches on foreign turf but admits preparations for the championships for some have been stressful, to say the least. "The most difficult in our job is adapting to the quickly changing environment affected by the war," said the 47-year-old. "We have to work through many restrictions, including safety requirements, air raids, missiles attacks from Russia, curfews and blackouts. "These issues make it harder to function, but we are managing well.” Shevchenko may be Rebrov's boss now but they hope their two names alone will strike fear into the hearts of their opponents, just as they once did when they teamed up for Dynamo Kyiv in the 1990s. Their partnership not only inspired Dynamo to dominate domestic football but also shone in the Champions League, reaching the 1999 semi-finals. However, while Shevchenko was to flourish abroad winning the Champions League with AC Milan and being awarded the 2004 Ballon d’Or, Rebrov floundered at Tottenham and West Ham. Nevertheless Shevchenko is confident Rebrov can deliver at Euro 2024 with what he says is the youngest squad at European football's showpiece. "We immediately connected because we both understand how the other thinks," said Shevchenko. "Our mindset and views on football are the same. "The role of head coach is all about dedication, hard work, focus and discipline. "Being the manager of Ukraine comes with certain pressures and expectations, and I know he is managing that well."

Euros 2024: Ukraine’s presence must remind everyone of what the country is going through, says Shevchenko

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Euro 2024: Romania bundle toothless Ukraine 3-0 to kickstart campaign

Euros 2024: Ukraine’s presence must remind everyone of what the country is going through, says Shevchenko