Otto Hindrich, 24, spoke ahead of the Poland-Romania match, marking his first official game as the national team’s starting goalkeeper.
Hindrich is set to make his official debut for Romania in Warsaw, where he plays for his club team, Legia. He has established himself as a key player at Legia and is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the Polish league. His performances this season have earned him a spot on the national team.
Following Ionuț Radu’s starts against Sweden (1-2) and Bosnia (2-4), coach Gheorghe Hagi selected Hindrich to defend the goal in the third match of the Nations League group stage.
Hindrich Reflects on Special Moment
“This is a very special match for me, being my first official game for Romania. The fact that it’s in Poland, in Warsaw, adds to the significance. From the very start, I have focused on this match, and I want to give my all,” said Hindrich.
He emphasized the team’s mentality: “We need to compete with them on equal terms, as we are not inferior to them in any way. We must be aggressive, win our duels, and see what happens in the end.”
Regarding Poland’s star player, Lewandowski, he remarked, “He is a very good player, but they have many other talented players, and I am prepared. We need to be more attentive in defense and work together to defend.” According to reports, Hindrich had previously played two friendly matches for the national team before this official debut in Warsaw, having been called up by Hagi for preparation matches in June against Georgia and Wales. He played 27 minutes in his first friendly and a full half in the second.
Hindrich has made 10 appearances for Legia Warsaw this season.
Starting Lineups for Poland vs. Romania
Poland (4-4-2): Bulka – Cash, Bednarek, Kiwior, Frankowski – Szymanski, Zielinski, W. Nowak, Zalewski – Swiderski, Lewandowski
Substitutes: Kochalski, Abramowicz, Wojtuszek, Kędziora, Slisz, Pietuszewski, Urbanski, Zukowski, Puchacz, Skoras, Reguła, Potulski
Coach: Jan Urban
Romania (4-2-3-1): Hindrich – Rațiu, Drăgușin, V. Ghiță, Bancu – Băluță, R. Marin – Man, I. Hagi (captain), Mihăilă – Bîrligea
Substitutes: I. Radu, Cojocaru, Coubiș, M. Marin, Tănase, Cicâldău, Stanciu, Borza, Cîrjan, Moruțan, Racovițan, Strata
Coach: Gheorghe Hagi
