Slovakia 1-1 Romania: Both sides into the last-16 at Euro 2024 after mutually beneficial draw

Romania and Slovakia both reached the round of 16 at Euro 2024 after playing out a 1-1 draw in Frankfurt.

Both sides knew they would reach the knockout stages for only the second time in their nations’ history if they drew, but it was an open and well contested affair, rather than a cagey one.

Elsewhere in Group E, Belgium drew 0-0 with Ukraine, meaning the group ended with every side on four points.

Romania finished top on goal difference and will now play a third-place side from Group C or E, while Slovakia finished third themselves and now face England or Spain in the round of 16.

Slovakia took the lead after 24 minutes when Ondrej Duda headed Jan Kucka’s cross from the right flank past Romania goalkeeper Florin Nita.

Romania upped the ante after conceding, and won a contentious penalty after a VAR check despite David Hancko’s foul on Ianis Hagi appearing to have taken place just outside the box. Indeed, the referee originally gave a free-kick before changing to a penalty.

Razvan Marin slammed home from the spot for his second goal of the tournament.

Level at 1-1 at the interval, the second half was played in a tighter fashion and both sets of players celebrated qualification for the knockout stages at full-time.