Danut Lupu accused Romania and Slovakia of match-fixing. (Image: AS.Ro)
Slovakia and Romania have both sealed a spot in the Euro 2024 round of 16 after playing out a favourable 1-1 draw in Frankfurt on Wednesday evening. The stalemate may raise eyebrows, having followed wild claims of a pre-arranged result by former Romania international Danut Lupu.
Slovakia and Romania required at least a point to earn progression from a finely-poised Group E, in which all four nations started the final matchday on three points.
In the build-up to the crunch clash, Lupu predicted a draw, shockingly accusing his homeland and their opponents of arranging a result that benefitted both.
"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?"
Ondrej Duda got himself onto the end of Juraj Kucka's pinpoint cross to head Slovakia into the lead after 24 minutes.
Razvan Marin fired Romania level from the penalty spot later in the first half, and neither side could find the attacking quality to take the lead as the game progressed.
Neither side can be accused of pulling their punches, taking 22 shots between them. Romania accumulated five shots on target compared to Slovakia's four.
Slovakia and Romania drew 1-1 in Frankfurt. (Image: Getty)
Belgium and Ukraine played out a 0-0 bore draw in Stuttgart, meaning every team in the group finished with four points for the first time in Euros history.
Ukraine have become the first-ever nation to suffer group-stage elimination with four points, emphasising the unprecedented finish.
Romania topped Group E ahead of Belgium on goals scored, with Slovakia progressing as one of the four best third-place teams narrowly behind the latter on goal difference.
Slovakia will face England in the last 16 if Georgia earn a shock win against Portugal or Czech Republic defeat Turkey in Group F on Wednesday night.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Belgium's failure to top the group means Kylian Mbappe and France await in the next round.
Spain, Germany and Portugal are also on that side of the draw, promising eye-catching ties aplenty.
Kevin De Bruyne told his team-mates to leave the pitch earlier than planned after full-time due to boos from Belgian fans unhappy with their performances.
Meanwhile, Romania's reward for topping the pile will likely be a last-16 meeting with Hungary or Slovenia, depending on Wednesday night's results.
