After steamrolling their way through Qualification Group I, Romania’s advancement to the finals of EURO2024 was, perhaps shockingly to some, a walk in the park.
Edward Iordănescu’s high-flying Tricolorii were unbeaten in their 10 qualifying fixtures, trumping a Switzerland side boasting stars such as Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji and Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka.
It hasn’t all been plain-sailing in the build-up to this summer’s tournament, though – three draws and one loss in their preparation friendlies are reason for concern for their chances of success on German soil.
Romania have only escaped from the group stages of this competition once in five previous attempts. That success came at EURO 2000, outqualifying England and Germany before falling short to runners-up Italy in the quarter-final.
For a country rich with sporting success, most notably the prowess of their Nadia Comăneci-lead Gymnastics team of the 70s and 80s, Romania’s football team have historically produced less to write home about.
From the past to the present: this Tricolorii squad has a handful of key players itching to equal their predecessors’ group stage exit 24 years on.
Embed from Getty ImagesPerhaps the most familiar name to keep an eye out for is Radu Drăgușin. The 22-year-old centre-back has struggled for game time at Tottenham Hotspur since his move last summer but is the heartbeat of Iordănescu’s defence.
Drăgușin’s 4.4 recoveries and 4.4 clearances per match spurred Romania on during their unbeaten qualification process, as did the performances of goalkeeper Horațiu Moldovan.
You may recognise the name – no, he is not a descendant of Romania’s north-eastern neighbours… rather, Moldovan is Jan Oblak’s back-up at Atlético Madrid, and made an impressive 25 saves in the 10-game process.
Another name which may catch the eye is Ianis Hagi. Son of Romanian footballing legend Gheorghe Hagi, Ianis spent the season on loan at Deportivo Alavés and will be returning to parent club Rangers after EURO2024.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 25-year-old, who has twice been nominated for the European Golden Boy award, has big shoes to fill this summer as he looks to help the Tricolorii out of the group stage and into the knockouts.
Looking to spoil the red, yellow, and blue party in Group E are Belgium, Ukraine, and Slovakia. With the Blue-Yellows up first on 17th June, Romania will be looking to get their EURO2024 campaign off to a flying start at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.
Making it out of the group will be far from easy, with Iordănescu’s side assumed by many to be favourites to come dead last – though it is certainly not impossible.
FromTheSpot will continue our coverage of Romania throughout the EURO2024 campaign; be sure to stick around on our website and follow our X account for all the latest throughout the tournament.