Arizona Tribune - 'Nobody expected this' says Rebrov after Romania hammer Ukraine

Two mistakes from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin proved fatal as Romania took the lead in Munich through captain Nicolae Stanciu, with Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus completing the victory in the second half.

"Unfortunately nobody expected this result," said Rebrov, who led Ukraine to a fourth consecutive European Championship despite the country being ravaged by war following the Russian invasion in 2022.

"The players feel they didn't do enough. Before the game I told them we are representing a big strong country fighting for more than two years for our freedom.

"Today we didn't do good enough, that's why they (the players) are apologising (to the fans). We have to show the other Ukraine for the game against Slovakia."

Rebrov said the team had held a players-only meeting after the game, asking him to leave the dressing room.

"We all have emotions. Everybody is unhappy," he said.

"If we don't show our maximum... then it will be very difficult.

"It doesn't matter who is the favourite, football is about what you show on the day. Today we didn't show our level."

G.P.Martin--AT