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 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 |