Romania is set to take on San Marino on Tuesday night in a crucial match that follows a disappointing 3-1 defeat against Bosnia. The game will commence at 7:45 PM ET at Stadionul Ilie Oana. Despite being unable to reach the top two qualifying spots, Romania’s hopes of advancing to the World Cup remain alive through playoff opportunities.
Currently, Romania sits third in Group H with 10 points, trailing Bosnia by six points, while San Marino resides at the bottom of the group with zero points after an extended winless streak. In their seven qualifying matches, Romania has scored 12 goals but only secured two clean sheets in their last ten matches across all competitions. Their home record at this venue boasts seven wins in nine matches, setting a solid foundation for their upcoming encounter.
The previous match against Bosnia was particularly heart-wrenching for Romania. In a game that was tightly contested, Denis Dragus received a red card in the 68th minute when the score was tied 1-1. This crucial moment led to a collapse, with Romania conceding two additional goals after the sending-off. While this loss eliminated them from direct qualification for the World Cup, their journey isn’t over; they must finish strong to remain in contention for playoff spots.
This upcoming fixture against San Marino presents a valuable opportunity for Romania to regain confidence and showcase their attacking prowess. A convincing victory could significantly impact their goal difference and enhance their Nations League rankings. Coach Mircea Lucescu is expected to deploy a strong lineup, with aspirations still alive for World Cup qualification. The players will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement early in the match.
San Marino, managed by Roberto Cevoli, comes into this match desperate for improvement, currently enduring a ten-game losing streak without having kept a clean sheet in their last 15 matches. Led by striker Nicola Nanni, San Marino will face a formidable Romanian side that is eager to bounce back.
Fans will be watching for Romania’s attacking intensity and how they manage to exploit the weaknesses in San Marino’s defense. Notably, Daniel Birligea, who missed the match against Bosnia due to suspension, is expected to feature prominently in the lineup.
Romania previously triumphed over San Marino with a significant 5-1 victory in March 2024, and expectations are high for a similar outcome in this encounter. Analysts predict a 3-0 win for Romania, given their ability to control possession and create scoring opportunities against a side that struggles defensively.
As the team prepares for this match, the focus will be on restoring confidence and delivering a performance that not only secures three points but also bolsters morale as they look ahead in the qualifying campaign. The outcome could be pivotal for their aspirations moving forward, with players and supporters alike eager to see a display of dominance on the field.