"It didn't happen": Ukraine's captain made a statement after the defeat by Romania at the start of Euro 2024

The captain of the Ukrainian national football team, Taras Stepanenko, recognized Romania's victory in the opening match of the 2024 European Championship as well-deserved. One of the most experienced players of the Blue and Yellows noted that he and his teammates did not look like themselves in this match.

Stepanenko said this in a comment to the official website of the European Football Union (UEFA). According to the Shakhtar Donetsk footballer, the team had high expectations for the second half of the game on June 17, but Romania shocked the Ukrainians with two quick goals.

"I am very disappointed with our performance. We didn't look like ourselves today. Romania deserved this victory, and we need to move on. There are two more matches ahead. We need to show our will and change the situation. I would call Stancu's goal the goal of the Euros - it was a very beautiful shot. But, to be honest, I was sure that in the second half we would play more aggressively, score and turn the tide. Unfortunately, this did not happen," Stepanenko said.

Earlier, forward Roman Yaremchuk named one of the main reasons for the defeat of Romania. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin also commented on the game, being named the worst player of the match.

Immediately after the final whistle, Ukrainian fans ripped into the national team players, accusing them of lacking motivation. Oleksandr Zinchenko also addressed the fans.

As OBOZ.UA previously reported, the head coach of the Ukrainian national team Serhiy Rebrov commented on the defeat of Romania at the start of Euro 2024.

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