Article by Ovidiu Ioanițoaia – Published Wednesday, November 19, 2025, 3:00 p.m. / Updated Wednesday, November 19, 2025 3:01 p.m.
Although they started badly, conceding a goal in the 2nd minute, the “tricolors” proved their superiority and outclassed the San Marino team 7-1.
Unfortunately, after the failure in Bosnia that meant exiting the qualification race by way of the preliminaries, the match against the Serenissimi Republic had the importance of records. But also a morale one, because it was to be seen if and how marked Mircea Lucescu's students would be by that painful 1-3 in Zenica.
Even though in a new formula, among others, without M. Marin, Drăguș and Mihăilă, but with Bancu, Screciu and Baiaram from the start, the national team regained its desire to play and fantasy. As such, he rewarded the spectators from Ploiești who braved the rain and the cold with a score victory. Obtained, however, it must be said, in front of the last ranked in the FIFA hierarchy, San Marino being the occupant of the 210th place out of 210. So much so that, meeting them in Zenica, Bosnia beat them, only 1-0!
As the duel with San Marino mattered little to nothing, the confrontation on Tuesday evening was to answer the question of whether Mircea Lucescu will continue as a selector or, as he himself opened the discussion, will he leave the national team in the hands of a younger technician? This is also in the sense of self-criticism, in recognition of some wrong, or at least questionable, decisions that Lucescu took. And who encouraged his opponents, as if more numerous than ever and certainly more vocal.
Mircea Lucescu
Stating that he will be off to Zurich on Wednesday afternoon to attend the March 2026 dams draw, you know what I mean, Lucescu made it clear that he remains in his positions. That he doesn't intend to give up. In fact, Mihai Stoichiță, the technical director of the Federation, wanted to specify about Mircea Lucescu that “He has support, he was always supported by the FRF… He was the only one who talked about leaving, we never talked about dismissal or anything else”. QED
It is true that, in addition to some decisions regarding the selection and composition of the team, Lucescu can be blamed for missing the qualification from the preliminaries. In such cases, examples abound, the coach pays first. As a rule, with the post.
On the other hand, Lucescu has started the road to the 2026 World Cup and it would be normal for him to see it through to the end. All the more so as he has faith in the current batch and seems convinced that the national team deserves to be present at the final tournament across the Atlantic and that it will be! And then, what other technician would dare to take the team on the fly and when would he have the time to familiarize himself with it to make it victorious?!
But let's be realistic and admit that, going to play in March 2026 with one of Italy, Turkey, Ukraine or Denmark in the 1st bracket, even in a single scheduled away match (strange regulation!). we start as outsiders, not favorites in the semi-final. Quote every time with a second chance. If only because all possible opponents are better ranked in the FIFA hierarchy for October: Italy on 9th, Denmark on 20th, Turkey on 26th and Ukraine on 27th, above Romania located in 47th place.
Personally, I appreciate that it would be convenient for us to fall with Ukraine for several reasons. Because in the last direct game, played at Euro 2024, we beat them without the right to appeal, 3-0. But also because, unlike the others, Ukraine does not play at home, you know the situation, but abroad. He hosted the preliminaries in Poland, in Wroclaw, Krakow and Warsaw. It is assumed that he will not opt, as was heard, for Germany, where, as proved abundantly at EC 2024, the Romanian fans have learned to storm the stadiums and dress them in yellow.
That being said, let's look back with anger, but also forward with hope. While we still have a chance, even a small one, to believe in it!
