Romania hoped to remain in the books of direct qualification at the World Cup 2026, with a good result obtained on the field of the main favorite, Austria. But the hosts gave them the land in the tricolor, even though they were encouraged in Vienna by about 15,000 supporters. It was only 2-1 for the hosts, a false score, saved by the Moldovan goalkeeper and the goal from the last phase, scored by Florin Tanase.
The goalkeeper Horațiu Moldovan saved Romania from a categorical defeat. Facebook photo FRF
With three points obtained in three games (victory only with the weakest team in the world, San Marino), Romania practically put an end to the hopes in the group, which leads directly to the World Cup next year, Canada and Mexico. There are chances, we fight at least for the 2nd place, and the presence at the dam is practically provided thanks to the League of Nations. But what do we do with the weak tricolor game?
Romania started the game in Vienna, asking for two penalties in the first 7 minutes. Then Austria took over the reins of the match and missed the opportunity after the occasion, taking advantage of the defense of our national. The goalkeeper Horațiu Moldovan, preferred by Mircea Lucescu to the ordinary holder, Florin Nita, did wonders and kept us in the match. This is until the end of the first half, when the inevitable produced, Michael Gregoritsch marking with an excellent shot around the point with lime.
7 parades of Horațiu Moldovan
The tricolors tried a few shy attacks immediately after the break, but were quiet after less than a quarter of an hour after the resumption. Sabitzer, also helped by Mihai Popescu’s unfortunate deviation, pointed out for 2-0. After an hour of play, the ratio of the gateway was 9-0 in favor of Ragnick’s band, of which 7 defendants of the exceptional Moldovan.
At this score, the Austrians left it softer. Adrian Şut, sent on the ground instead of Răzvan Marin, had the first opportunity for Romania (min. 76). Another player coming from the bench, Miculescu passed by the goal (79), for Florin Tanase to score in the 5th minute of the extensions, immediately after a success canceled by the hosts. However, it was too little for a team that made a sensation at Euro 2024, but now struggling in mediocrity.
The World Cup is still moving away, given the tricolors can restore their morale on Tuesday, against Cyprus. Then follow the final battles in the autumn, when we hope to see another face of the national.
Group H from the World Cup preliminaries 2026
March 21
Cyprus-San Marino 2-0
Romania-Bosnia and Herzegovina 0-1
March 24
21:45-Bosnia and Herzegovina-Cyprus 2-1
21:45-San Marino-Romania 1-5
June 7
16:00-Bosnia and Herzegovina-San Marino 1-0
21:45-Austria-Romania 2-1
June 10
21:45 – Romania – Cyprus
21:45 – San Marino – Austria
September 6
21:45 – Austria – Cyprus
21:45 – San Marino – Bosnia and Herzegovina
September 9th
21:45 – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Austria
21:45 – Cyprus – Romania
October 9th
21:45 – Austria – San Marino
21:45 – Cyprus – Bosnia and Herzegovina
October 12
16:00 – San Marino – Cyprus
21:45 – Romania – Austria
November 15
19:00 – Cyprus – Austria
21:45 – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Romania
November 18
21:45 – Austria – Bosnia and Herzegovina
21:45 – Romania – San Marino
At the final tournament hosted next year by the US, Canada and Mexico directly qualify the winning bands of the qualification groups. The teams ranked 2nd play dam matches.
