Bosnia – Romania, the match of truth: maximum tension in Zenica, where the hosts chant “Gypsies, gypsies” LIVE TEXT
After the unexpected success with Austria, Romania plays this evening against the national team of Bosnia and Herzegovina with the thought of the 2nd place in the qualification group for the 2026 World Cup. A victory in Zenica would practically secure us the second position, considering that in the last match the tricolors meet the modest San Marino, while tonight's opponent fights with the leader of the group. Already qualified for the play-offs thanks to their progress in the Nations League, Mircea Lucescu's national team wants the 2nd place, whose stake is to be placed in a more favorable value track at the draw on November 20. Now, the tricolors are in the fourth, but the good results of the last matches could raise it to the third, even the second, so that the opponents would be more approachable, at least on paper.
Captain Hagi and Ghiță, the hero of the match against Austria, ready for a great evening. Profimedia photo
UPDATE 21.00: When our players entered the field, for the inspection of the turf, all the supporters of the hosts provided scandalous moments, chanting “Gypsies, gypsies”.
More than an hour before the start of the game, Mircea Lucescu announced the first 11 with which he approaches the game with Bosnia. Ianis Hagi is the captain, the central defenders are Racovițan and Ghiță, while Bîrligea will play in attack. Here is the starting formula of our boys: 1. I Radu – 2. Rațiu, 3. Racovițan, 5. Ghiță, 8. Chipciu – 10. Hagi, 6. M. Marin, 22. V. Dragomir – 20. Man, 9. Bîrligea, 13. Mihăilă. Reserves: 12. Târnovanu, 16. Aioani – 4. Rus, 7. Drăguș, 11. Bancu, 14. Screciu, 15. Eissat, 17. Miculescu, 18. R. Marin, 19. F. Tănase, 21. Petrila, 23. Sorescu.
Regardless of the result of the match, Romania no longer has a chance for the first position in the group, which ensures direct qualification to the WC 2026. Austria defeated Cyprus today and can no longer be reached by the tricolors, so the only option for the tricolors to reach the final tournament hosted by the USA; Canada and Mexico is across the dam. On the other hand, Bosnia, with a win in front of us, can attack the first place in the last game of the group, in Vienna.
Group H, last games
Today: Cyprus – Austria 0-2, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Romania (21.45)
Tuesday: Romania – San Marino (21.45), Austria – Bosnia and Herzegovina (21.45)
