In a pivotal match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Romania faced San Marino on March 24, 2025, at the Serravalle Stadium, marking a crucial second game in Group H. Following a disappointing loss to Bosnia in their opening match, Romania was determined to secure a victory to keep their qualifying hopes alive.
The game kicked off with Romania quickly establishing dominance. In the 6th minute, they were gifted an early goal when San Marino's defender Cevoli inadvertently scored an own goal after a cross from Bancu. This unforeseen turn of events set the tone for the match as Romania took a 1-0 lead.
As the minutes ticked by, Romania maintained overwhelming pressure, dominating possession at a staggering 79%, which clearly reflected their offensive strategy. However, it wasn't until the 44th minute that they doubled their lead. Mihai Popescu, making his mark, netted a goal from six meters out, taking advantage of a rebound from San Marino's goalkeeper, Amici, after a failed clearance. This goal was not only significant as it pushed Romania to 2-0 but also marked Popescu's first international goal.
The second half commenced with renewed vigor from both teams. Romania immediately focused on solidifying their advantage, and in the 53rd minute, they were awarded a penalty when Dennis Man was fouled by Tosi. Răzvan Marin stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick, bringing the score to 3-0 in the 55th minute. This was an important milestone for Marin, who scored his 12th goal for the national team.
However, just as it seemed Romania was sailing smoothly towards an easy victory, San Marino found a glimmer of hope. In the 67th minute, Zannoni scored for San Marino, firing in from close range after a well-executed play. This 1-3 scoreline injected new energy into the home side, temporarily raising concerns for the Romanian fans.
But Romania quickly regained control, and in the 74th minute, another penalty was awarded—this time after a foul on Dennis Man by Cevoli. Ianis Hagi confidently slotted the penalty home in the 75th minute, solidifying Romania's lead at 4-1.
This match was more than just a game for the Romanian squad; it was a vital part of their campaign under the guidance of coach Mircea Lucescu. Notably, Lucescu had expressed his belief that San Marino is no longer to be underestimated, highlighting sharp improvements in their gameplay and strategy. Despite this, Romania's superior talent and experience ultimately prevailed, showcasing their prowess.
Over 3,000 passionate Romanian fans filled the stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere that seemed to inspire the players. Before the match, Lucescu had warned his team about the importance of not underestimating their opponents, stating, “San Marino is in growth; all countries are investing in football.”
Post-match reflections will likely focus on Romania's performance, which brings them back into contention in Group H after the earlier setback against Bosnia. Currently, Copa classification reveals Romania must now focus on their next matches, shadowing their pathway to the 2026 World Cup. A championship that has proven challenging given their recent results and grouping with strong opponents.
Romania now holds a favorable historical record against San Marino, having won all prior meetings decisively. This victory further extends their dominance, accomplishing a 3-0 record against San Marino with an aggregate score of 10-1 from their encounters dating back to the 1990s.
Looking ahead, Romania must carry this momentum as they prepare for future challenges, including an upcoming match with Austria, who will be among their toughest tests yet.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting how the team maneuvers through these qualifying rounds, aiming to cement their place in the World Cup after a long absence from the global stage.
