Romania will look to push for a spot in Euro 2024 when they host Kosovo on Tuesday. Kosovo was disappointed when it really mattered in a division where they had planned to be underdogs. Romania is still very much in contention for a top-two finish.
Preview (Romania vs. Kosovo)
Romania’s stalemate with Israel on Saturday night did help to retain the Tricolorii in the top two for the time being. After Switzerland’s unexpected draw with Kosovo, Edward Iordanescu’s team would have begun matchday six in first place if they had defeated Israel. Romania returned from Prishtina with the same outcome they would face in their next match. If it weren’t for goalie Horatiu Moldovan, they would not have won anything. Along with Switzerland, they continue to be the slight favorites to place in the top two. Success in the event would put a stop to their string of three consecutive exits.
Romania must also improve once they reach the big finals. Their victory over England at Euro 2000 remains their solitary triumph this century. Romania is still unbeaten in the group but with three draws in their past three games. Israel can continue to apply pressure. Prior to possibly group-defining matches against Switzerland and Israel in November, their next three games, against the bottom three, are expected to be critical. Kosovo, the youngest member of UEFA, has displayed immaturity and inconsistent play despite unquestionably having the talent to compete.
Just seven years after joining UEFA and FIFA, some terrible sectional results have prevented them from taking advantage of what would have been a fantastic opportunity to advance to a major tournament for the first time. Early in the season, they drew against Andorra at home. It was perhaps their poorest performance against other teams. A loss to Belarus reversed all the progress made by securing draws against Romania and Israel. Given the balance of the game, Kosovo should have defeated both Romania and Israel. They were unable to take their chances and ultimately paid a price.
Team News
The three goalkeepers for Romania have a combined total of just five appearances. Moldovan seems to be the new starting goalie of choice. To start, Zeneli, Milot Rashica, and possible newcomers Edon Zhegrova and Florent Muslija might all stake a claim in an effort to inject some originality into the Kosovo side this time around. Kosovo has recently battled to cross the finish line and earn victories over ostensibly greater opposition in this group, and they might just fall short once more.
Along with the captain Nicolae Stanciu, the unrelated midfielders Razvan Marin and Marius Marin should start. Amir Rahmani, the captain of Kosovo and a regular for Napoli, will want to rapidly move over his regrettable own goal from the weekend because he might be crucial for the visitors. The important player in the attack is Vedat Muriqi, who has improved his goal tally to 26 in 49 appearances after scoring two goals at the weekend. Arber Zeneli is one of the eight Turkish Super Lig players in the Kosovo squad, but manager Primoz Gliha unexpectedly benched him for Switzerland’s visit because he preferred Bernard Berisha on the left wing.
Romania 2 – 1 Kosovo
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