Romania showcased a commanding performance on the pitch as they triumphed over San Marino with a decisive score of 4:1 during Monday night's match, part of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Group H.
This win marks a significant moment for the Romanian national team as it represents their first victory in this qualifying campaign. The match took place on March 24, 2025, and was held away from home, further emphasizing the nature of their achievement.
The game kicked off energetically, with Romania taking an early lead. In the sixth minute, Michele Cevoli inadvertently put the ball in his own net, giving Romania a 1:0 advantage. This own goal set the tone for what was to follow.
As the match approached halftime, the Romanian players continued to apply pressure. Just a minute before the interval, Mihai Popescu scored a solid goal, extending the lead to 2:0 and fortifying the Romanian side's position as they headed into the break.
The second half began with Romania maintaining their momentum. In the 55th minute, Razvan Marin further illustrated his team's dominance by converting a penalty kick, bringing the score to a commanding 3:0.
San Marino, however, refused to back down quietly. In the 67th minute, Samuele Zannonin managed to claw one back, narrowing the deficit to 3:1. This goal momentarily reignited hopes for a comeback within the San Marino ranks, injecting some life into the contest.
Despite San Marino's efforts, Romania quickly restored their three-goal cushion. Ianis Hagi, a standout player for Romania, confidently converted a penalty of his own to make it 4:1, reasserting his team's control over the match.
In the dying moments of the game, Denis Alibec added to the scoreline with a fifth goal in the 94th minute, beating the San Marino defense once again and leaving the final score at 5:1. This goal not only underscored Romania's superiority on the day but also served to boost their confidence early in the qualification stages.
With this victory, Romania currently occupies the second place in Group H of the qualifiers, having secured three points. In contrast, San Marino remains in a challenging position, sitting just one point behind.
This match serves as a potent reminder of Romania's capabilities on the international stage as they aim for progression in the World Cup qualifiers. As they build on this victory, the team will be looking to maintain their upward trajectory and secure further points in upcoming matches.
With a balanced mix of young talent and seasoned skippers, Romania hopes to make a significant impact in the tournament. The next fixtures will be crucial in determining their journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
