Romania kicked off the new edition of the Nations League with an impressive 3-0 win over Kosovo on Friday, September 6, in Priština. This match marked the debut of Mircea Lucescu as Romania’s national team coach after a 38-year hiatus. The goals were scored by Dennis Man, Răzvan Marin (from the penalty spot), and Denis Drăguș.

The Romanian side, known as the “Tricolorii,” dominated the first half of the Kosovo-Romania encounter, creating several chances early on. The first opportunity came in the 7th minute when Valentin Mihăilă had a shot on goal, followed by Dennis Man in the 13th minute. Man eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute with a brilliant solo effort, curling a superb shot into the far corner from the edge of the penalty box.

Just before halftime, in the 44th minute, Dennis Man set up Mihăilă with a promising pass, but the latter struck the post. Romania continued their control after the break, and in the 51st minute, Man was fouled in the box by Valon Berisha. After reviewing the incident on VAR, the referee awarded a penalty. Răzvan Marin calmly converted from the spot to extend Romania’s lead to 2-0.

Despite Kosovo’s efforts to get back into the game, Romania remained dangerous. Mihăilă hit the post again in the 59th minute, coming close to adding a third. Finally, in the 82nd minute, following a defensive mistake by Kosovo, Denis Drăguș pounced to score from close range, sealing Romania’s dominant 3-0 win.

This victory provides a strong start for Romania in the Nations League and offers a promising beginning for Mircea Lucescu’s new tenure as head coach.

Romania vs Kosovo – Match Summary

Romania 3-0 Kosovo – Match Summary

Match Details

Date Time Team 1 Score Team 2 Status Scorers
06.09.2024 20:45 Kosovo 0 – 3 Romania Final 40′ Dennis Man (assist: Răzvan Marin), 51′ Răzvan Marin (Penalty), 82′ Denis Drăguș (assist: Valentin Mihăilă)

Key Events

Minute Event
40′ Dennis Man scores (assist by Răzvan Marin)
44′ Dennis Man assists Mihăilă, who hits the post
51′ Răzvan Marin scores from a penalty
66′ Kosovo makes triple substitution
78′ Romania substitutes: Coman replaces Dennis Man
82′ Denis Drăguș scores (assist by Valentin Mihăilă)
83′ Romania substitutes: Puscaș and Hagi come on
86′ Romania substitutes: Olaru and Mitriță enter
90+5′ Dragusin and Rrahmani receive cards

Match Statistics

Statistic Kosovo Romania
Expected Goals (xG) 0.37 3.06
Possession (%) 57% 43%
Goal Attempts 12 15

Referee & Venue

Referee Stadium Attendance
Aghayev A. (Azerbaijan) Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri (Pristina) 12,872

Lineups

Kosovo Starting XI

  • Muric (GK), Vojvoda, Rrahmani (C), Aliti, Paqarada, Zhegrova, Berisha, Rexhbecaj, Rashica, Muriqi, Asllani

Romania Starting XI

  • Niță (GK), Rațiu, Drăgușin, Burcă, Bancu, Marin R., Marin M., Stanciu (C), Man, Drăguș, Mihăilă

Substitutions

Kosovo Substitutions

  • 66′ Muslija for Berisha, Krasniqi for Asllani, Rrahmani for Muriqi
  • 81′ Sahiti for Zhegrova
  • 82′ Rrudhani for Paqarada

Romania Substitutions

  • 78′ Coman for Man
  • 83′ Pușcaș for Drăguș, Hagi for Mihăilă
  • 86′ Olaru for Marin R., Mitriță for Stanciu

Pre-match Odds

1 (Kosovo win) X (Draw) 2 (Romania win)
2.22 3.35 3.37
Previous articleRomanian Squad Announced for Nations League Matches Against Kosovo and Lithuania
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