Article by Cosmin Nistor – published Monday, October 13, 2025 20:09 / Updated Monday, October 13, 2025 20:34
The Romanian national obtained victory with Austria, 1-0, thanks to the goal scored by Virgil Ghiță in the 90+4 minute after a captain's pass Ianis Hagi. Mircea Lucescu's team (80 years old) thus maintains his chances for direct qualification at the 2026 World Championship.
Among those who commented on the success of the “tricolors” and Ioan Ovidiu Sabău (57 years), the coach of the University of Cluj, who spoke both about the team's performance and about the evolution of Alexandru Chipciu (36 years), holder in the match on the National Arena
Ioan Ovidiu Sabău believes that the national could have registered: “Only Neșansa made not to score more goals”
“It is normal to make mistakes, to lose balls, but important is how you react. You do not risk useless, but try to take the game until the end without taking empty. I am pleasantly surprisedbecause I had a few balls recovered and carried well to the end. Only Neșansa made not to score more goals. ”
The technician of the “red hats” had only words of praise to the coach:
“I believe that Mr. Lucescu adapts very well to what players he has now. He doesn't ask for much, he knows exactly what the players can. He's a very pretentious man, he worked with valuable footballersbut gradually it is seen that he managed to convey from his experience. Players began to listen to him, to become a real team and regain their confidence. ”
Sabău also commented on the rumors that Mircea Lucescu would have intended to leave in case of failure
“Maybe it was a strategy, to take the pressure on the shoulders of the players. I don't think he would have resigned, even if I was losing with Austria. Maybe only if there were no chance of qualification. As I know him, he is a too dedicated man, he likes this job too much. I do not think it would accept a failure as long as it has a hope. ”
The coach of the University of Cluj had words of praise for Chipciu: “He did not give any chance to the opponent”
Ioan Ovidiu Sabău also congratulated Alexandru Chipciu, his player from “U”, for the performance in the match with Austria:
“Chipciu made an extraordinary game. Gave no chance to the opponent. Mr. Lucescu knows how to play in such a match, and Chipciu was exactly what he should – disciplined, careful, without unnecessary risks. Represented the university very well (Nr Cluj). ”
“It's a model for players of his ageby the way he is preparing. You see experience and seriousness. It was high pressure on him, but he knew what to do, we have been working together for three years and he did excellent. ”
Asked if the footballer deserves to be kept in the World Cup lot, Sabău was firm:
“Mr. Lucescu knows better, I do not give him lessons. But, as he has shown so far, I think he has won his place,” Sabău told Digisport.ro.
