The Ukrainian national football team begins its journey in the 2024 European Championship on Monday, June 17, with a significant match against Romania. Held at the iconic "Allianz Arena" in Munich, the fixture promises to be an intriguing encounter for both teams and their fans.

Build-Up to the Clash

Serhiy Rebrov's squad faces Romania in their opening Group B match at 16:00 Kyiv time. The atmosphere is already charged with excitement and a touch of controversy, as Ukrainian players prepare to step onto the grand stage of Euro 2024.

Controversy over the Ukrainian Kit

Before the match, a dispute arose regarding the Ukrainian team's kit. Romanian reporters have pointed out an alleged mistake on Ukraine's jerseys where the colors on the tournament, match, date, and team markers resemble the Belgian flag instead of Romania's national colors. While the blue hue on Romania's flag appeared darker than usual, some might misconstrue it as black, creating the semblance of Belgium's flag.

"A serious mistake: instead of blue, Ukrainians used black, resulting in the flag of Belgium – another participant of Group E," reported Romanian media.

It remains unclear whether adjustments will be made to the Ukrainian kit. Nonetheless, this minor hitch adds an unexpected layer to the pre-match buzz.

Historical Context and Expectations

Historical data shows that both teams have had mixed fortunes in their encounters. The Ukrainian side, currently managed by Serhiy Rebrov, seeks to gather momentum in a tournament where every match counts. Former Shakhtar Donetsk player, Razvan Rat, cautioned against underestimating the Romanian team, emphasizing that Ukraine should not prematurely count on securing the three points.

What to Watch For

Fans and analysts are keen to see how Ukraine's tactical formation will fare against Romania's defensive strategies. Will Rebrov's men manage to capitalize on their set-piece opportunities? Or will Romania's solid backline and quick counter-attacks unsettle the Ukrainian defense?

The outcome of this fixture will set the stage for the group dynamics in the subsequent matches. Both teams are eager to kick off their campaigns on a positive note, promising an engaging and fiercely contested game.

Editor: Vitalina Patskan