Romania-Ukraine is a match valid for the group stage of the European Under-21 Championship 2023 and is played on Saturday at 18:00: news, formations and predictions.
Romania did not follow the example of Georgia, the other organising country of these European Under-21 Championships, who beat none other than reigning vice-champions Portugal on their debut. It was a debut to forget for Emil Sandoi’s men, who were thrashed (0-3) in front of their home crowd by a Spain side in a state of grace.
Too much quality for Racovitan and his team-mates, unable to contain the offensive power of the Rojita, who confirmed themselves as one of the main candidates for the victory of the continental event. Romania had the illusion of being able to snatch at least a draw against the Iberians after having managed to keep their goal unbeaten in the last friendlies against two giants such as Germany and Holland, but they had to raise the white flag in front of Spain’s asphyxiating dribbling: the final result is far too generous if we consider the number of goal occasions that Santi Denia’s selection had. Sandoi and his team, who will not be able to rely on Parma’s trequartista Valentin Mihaila – the player is injured and will not be available – are already back to the wall
Ukraine, qualification within reach
An eventual defeat to Ukraine, victorious in the opener against Croatia, could already mean elimination. Not an easy task for a Romanian side that has not won since March 2022, with five defeats and three draws since then.
Mudryk
Ruslan Rotan’s selection got off to a storming start and, even without their star player Mudryk – the Chelsea outside-back remained on the bench, having just returned from playing with the senior national team – they easily disposed of Croatia (2-0), keeping their goal unbeaten and scoring one goal each through Kashchuk and Sikan. Ukraine had looked healthy in recent friendlies, going unbeaten five times out of six since November and finding the way to goal with extraordinary frequency.
The Prediction
Ukraine are confident, and with an extra Mudryk in the engine they should be able to close the door on Romania and secure qualification. The hosts will go all out but throwing their hearts over the hurdle may not be enough. In any case, we imagine a balanced match, with at least two goals in total.
Romania v Ukraine official lineups
- ROMANIA U21 (4-3-3): Popa; Pantea, Dican, Racovitan, Ticu; Isfan, Albu, Pitu; Munteanu, Birligea, Popescu.
- UCRAINE U21 (4-3-3): Trubin; Sych, Taloverov, Batagov, Vivcharenko; Bondarenko, Brazhko, Kryskiv; Viunnyk, Sikan, Mudryk.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-2
