Former Romanian international Danut Lupu has accused his nation and Slovakia of arranging a draw in their upcoming Euro 2024 showdown. The two sides are set to go toe-to-toe in Frankfurt on Wednesday and a draw would most likely be enough to see them both through to the knockout stages.
Group E is on a knife-edge as, for the first time in Euros history, all four teams are level on three points apiece after two games. Belgium, Ukraine, Slovakia and Romania have each won and lost a match going into Wednesday’s finale.
With kick-off only two days away, ex-Romania man Lupu has made an unsubstantiated claim that a draw with Slovakia has already been arranged.
“We will qualify, draw with Slovakia. It’s arranged, it would be a shame if we both didn’t go [through],” he told AS.Ro. “Why risk it? It would be a shame! At that level the players get along very well! Why risk it? Why get in an accident?”
Lupu, a central midfielder during his playing days, featured for the likes of Panathinaikos and Brescia before he hung up his boots in 1998. He also picked up 14 caps for Romania across a nine-year international career.
Romania have only once progressed from the group stages of a European Championship – when they reached the quarter-finals at Euro 2000. A draw will guarantee them a spot in last 16 against Slovakia on Wednesday.
As for Slovakia, only a win would rubber-stamp a spot in the knockout stages, but a draw would also give them a great chance of making it as one of the best third-place teams. They will be sent home if they lose against Romania and Belgium get something from their match against Ukraine.
Slovakia and Newcastle United goalkeeper Martin Dubravka urged people not to underestimate his country after their shock 1-0 win over Belgium last week.
“This is just the start,” he said. “It shows that the group is very tight. Anyone can beat anyone. We just try to do our best, get some points and hopefully get through.
“We are the outsiders of the tournament. That’s what everyone said, they put us in that situation. It’s ok. If you want to put it in this way, fine. But we have confidence and this [win over Belgium] will give us even more.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk