Nicolae Stanciu scores a SCREAMER as Romania thump Ukraine at Euro 2024 in front of thousands of electric supporters… with underdogs – whose right back had BLUE hair – ‘winning hearts’ of social media users

Romania’s Nicolae Stanciu scored an early goal of the tournament contender at Euro 2024 as his side beat Ukraine to begin their group campaign in stunning style.

The midfielder, who plays for Damac FC in Saudi Arabia, flashed home a screamer to open the scoring in the first half and hand the underdogs a dream start in Germany.

His lightning effort, combined with Romania’s electric support from 40,000 noisy supporters at the Allianz Arena and their blue-haired right back, led to social media users claiming they had ‘won the hearts’ of neutrals watching on TV. 

Stanciu, also Romania’s captain, was teed up from distance after a poor clearance from Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Lunin and belted a first-time strike into the corner. 

Superb second-half goals from Razvan Marin and Denis Dragus then capped off a perfect opening fixture in Group E for Edward Iordanescu’s side.

Stanciu’s stunning effort from distance hurtled beyond Andriy Lunin and into the top corner

Tens of thousands of supporters, all decked out in vibrant yellow shirts, packed into the stadium and delivered a wall of noise throughout the pulsating showdown.

Further cementing their legendary status, right back Andrei Ratiu sported a shock of blue hair during the match – although the reason behind the daring look is unknown. 

‘Romania winning hearts everywhere here,’ said one X user. ‘Energetic and positive display, scored a screamer, fans have turned up, right-back has blue hair.

‘All the ingredients.’

The ‘Out of Context Football Manager’ X account shared a screenshot of the ‘Shoot on Sight’ instruction on the video game alongside the caption ‘Romania today’. 

Razvan Marin (pictured) and Denis Dragus were also on target in front of a baying yellow crowd

Another account posted a video of politician Nigel Farage stating ‘you’re not laughing now, are you?’ beneath a caption reading ‘Everyone who said Romania vs Ukraine would be boring’ – another nod to the victor’s red-hot performance.

The comical posts kept on coming. Another X user posted a clip of Succession’s Kendall Roy stating ‘All bangers, all the time’ with a simple caption: ‘Romania’.

‘That Romania goal in them colours got me feeling like I’m watching 2002 Brazil,’ another popular account stated, sharing a hilarious meme to boot.

Journalist Duncan Alexander said: ‘Romania on a Monday afternoon. Just smashing it in from range like it’s 1994 and xG hasn’t been invented. Delightful.’ 

The pulsating victory was a first for Romania at a European Championship in 24 years

Tens of thousands of vocal Romania supporters packed into the stands at the Allianz Arena

Romania’s victory was their first at a European Championship in 24 years.

Their only previous win came in 2000 after they beat England 3-2 in the group stage.

Despite sitting 24 places behind Ukraine in the world rankings and being held to two draws before the tournament, the three points boosted their bid to progress.

They next face Belgium on Saturday.