President Nicușor Dan refused to give a prognosis before the decisive match between Romania and Turkey, citing personal reasons.
Asked, during a press conference, if he has a message for the national team, the head of state preferred not to make any estimate regarding the result of the confrontation.
“I don’t have predictions and I have superstitions. And that’s why I’m not answering your question”the president said.
The Romania-Turkey match will be played on Thursday, March 26, in Istanbul, from 19:00, and will be broadcast live on Prima TV. The match counts for the semi-final of the 2026 World Championship qualification play-off and is played over one leg.
In the event of a victory, the Romanian national team will advance to the play-off final, scheduled for March 31, where they will meet the winner of the duel between Slovakia and Kosovo.
The game in Istanbul is considered a crucial one, as there is no return leg, and any mistake can be decisive for qualification.
The coach Mircea Lucescu emphasized the importance of the match and the confidence in his players.
“Our players have the value to be able to dominate their direct opponents. I am convinced of this. We do not discuss before the match why it might happen. A coach leads his team from behind the group.” said Lucescu, according to Newsweek.
He also spoke about the special atmosphere of the match and the clear objective of the national team.
“It is a very important game, we will do everything possible to deserve this qualification. I love Turkey a lot, it has brought me a lot of satisfaction, both professionally and in life, I felt very good among the Turkish fans, I respect them, but the profession is something else. I am here to win this match.” added the selector.
