Matei Ilie (22 years old), the defender of the national team of Romania U21, reacted following the failure from the debut to Euro 2025, 0-1 with Italy.
The defender believes that there are still high chances of qualification and jumped in the defense of his colleague from CFR Cluj, Louis Munteanu (22 years old), who missed a punishment in the extension of the first half.
VIDEO. Matei Ilie jumps in defense to Louis Munteanu: “We must not rely on him every time”
“It was an extremely difficult match, and physically, and tactically. Unfortunately I couldn't do more. Anyone can miss a penalty, it's not Louis's fault. We don't have to rely on it every time we have to get empty. With a little chance I could equal.
We have 2 more matches, that motivates us. We are somewhat quiet that we have any more chances. Spain had a hard match with Slovakia, I don't see why it wouldn't have with us. We will give everything on the ground and hope to bring points, or at least one.
(no about the moment of the anthem) an exciting moment for me every time I sing the anthem of Romania. My skin is made, it is something I dreamed of all my life and I am proud. A very beautiful atmosphere was created.
He awakens us a little to reality, we must be braver. In the last 20-30 minutes I even put problems and if I had more courage I think I could do more. We should have been braver.
All these teams, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, are at the same level. And Slovakia has the same level. I am confident and I will always be confident in this group.
(no about the difference between the matches of the club and the ones from the national) is totally different, and the media attention. The family is in this match, you feel proud, but you feel pressure, ”concluded Matei Ilie.
