Our prediction for this Nations League match:
High-flying Romania will look to keep their 100% record in Group 2 intact when they face Kosovo at Arena Nationala on Friday. The Tricolori enjoyed a successful Euro 2024 campaign and they continue with fine performances in the UEFA Nations League. Romania are one point away from clinching top position in the standings, meaning that they are likely to adopt a cautious approach in Friday’s clash.
Razvan Marin is widely expected to start despite losing his place in Cagliari’s starting XI, while there are no fresh injury worries in the home team. The Kosovars, on the other hand, are eyeing their fourth consecutive win in Group 2, but beating Romania in Bucharest is easier said than done. Taking everything into account, there is a big value in betting on draw. The good news for the visitors is that Besiktas winger Milot Rashica has overcome his injury.
Highlighted Team (Romania):
Romania were one of just four European sides to take part at the first ever World Cup in 1930, and the team have since achieved respectable results on the international stage, albeit failing to challenge for major trophies.
Led by arguably their best ever footballer Gheorghe Hagi, the Tricolorii narrowly missed out on the semi-finals at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, losing to Sweden on penalties. Romania made a total of seven appearances at the World Cup finals, while qualifying for five European Championship tournaments. The Tricolorii went the farthest in 2000, when they were eliminated by Italy in the quarter-finals.
Tied at the top of the goalscoring charts, Gheorghe Hagi and Adrian Mutu are the only two Romanian footballers to have gained worldwide recognition, but Dorinel Munteanu, Dan Petrescu, Gheorghe Popescu and Viorel Moldovan are also worth mention. Romania play their home games at the Arena National in Bucarest.