Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has taken responsibility for two mistakes that led to goals as Ukraine began Euro 2024 with defeat to Romania.
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Lunin speaks after Ukraine defeatReal Madrid goalkeeper made errorsAdmits mistakes were costlyWHAT HAPPENED?
Lunin held his hands up following the surprise 3-0 loss against a team 24 places lower in FIFA's world rankings, taking questions about the game from reporters in the mixed zone.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Lunin, so good for Madrid during the club season, was at fault for Romania's 29th minute opener, guilty of a poor attempted clearance that went straight to Dennis Man, who immediately found goalscorer Nicolae Stanciu. Then, after half-time, he should have done far better to stop Razvan Marin's Romania second, which snuck underneath his hands despite appearing to have done enough to comfortably stop the shot.
WHAT LUNIN SAID
Speakng to Spanish radio station afterwards, Lunin said: "I apologise to my team-mates, my mistake complicated the game. All I can say is sorry and get back up for the next game."
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LUNIN & UKRAINE?
Slovakia's shock win over Belgium only compounded Ukraine's defeat, meaning the two sides they would have expected to take points against have started with victories. Next up is Slovakia on Friday, followed by Belgium on June 26. Given how the group has started, three points is unlikely to be enough to get through.