The head coach of Romania, Edward Iordanescu, has rubbished claims their 1-1 draw with Slovakia at Euro 2024 on Wednesday, was manipulated so that both teams would progress into the Round of 16.
All four teams in Group E had three points each after their first two fixtures.
This meant that one point would suffice whatever happened in the other game between Belgium and Ukraine.
Slovakia took the lead through Ondrej Duda’s header but Romania equalised thanks to Razvan Marin’s penalty.
Romania finished top of the group with four points ahead of Belgium, who drew 0-0 with Ukraine, while Slovakia advanced as one of the best third-placed teams.
It was the first time in 24 years Romania have reached the European Championship knockout rounds, reviving memories of their great teams of the past.
“I believe it was clear that both teams gave everything for 80 minutes,” Iordanescu told reporters.
“Everybody gave their best. To speak before a game and to throw mud to the teams and to the players and to our work and to our dignity is shameful.”