Romania and Slovakia qualified for the round of 16 of Euro 2024 after a 1-1 draw in Frankfurt, in which Romania finished top of Group E.
Both groups knew a draw would be enough to send them to the round of 16, but the match played out largely at an entertaining pace and from start to finish.
Slovakia took the lead in the 24th minute thanks to a header from Ondrej Duda, who momentarily brought down the organisation as Slovakia led and Romania stayed at the bottom.
But Razvan Marin’s 37th-minute penalty, awarded after a VAR after David Hancko fouled Ianis Hagi in the box, put Romania back on course to qualify for the round of 16.
Both threatened to score early in the second half amid a torrential downpour at the Frankfurt Arena that forced both goalkeepers to make saves.
But play slowed down as the clock ticked into the final 15 minutes, with both groups settling for a point and the final whistle was greeted with celebrations from both sides.
Romania were pleased to have crowned Group E after Belgium’s goalless draw against Ukraine, which saw the Red Devils end their momentum and will now face France in the round of 16.
Romania will face the Netherlands in the round of 16, while Slovakia, who are among the most sensible third-ranked teams, will face England in the next round.
Francesco Calzona’s side edged Ukraine on goal difference, and all four in Group E finished with four points.