Euro 2024 | Radu shines in historic Romania win

Radu Dragusin produced an outstanding display as Romania got off to the perfect start at Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win over Ukraine on Monday.

Named in the starting XI in what was his international tournament debut, the 22-year-old completed the full match of the Group E encounter as captain Nicolae Stanciu’s stunner just shy of the half-hour mark and second-half goals from Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus recorded their biggest victory at a European Championship.

Radu looked fired up and assured throughout his 18th senior cap, imposing an aggressive and physical style to stifle Ukraine's attacking threat with the most clearances (10) and blocks (two) to help his nation record their third successive clean sheet.

It was an all-action performance from the centre-back who epitomised everything good about the Romanians. Minutes after making one lung-bursting surge forward to win a free kick deep in his opponent's half to alleviate pressure in the second half, he was then celebrating a vital sliding intervention as if he had scored to deny Ukraine a goal in the 73rd minute - much to the acclaim of the many adoring Romania fans in the stands at the Allianz Arena.

Up next for the Tricolours is Belgium in Sunday's late kick-off in the Cologne Stadium (8pm UK).