Romania secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Lithuania in the UEFA Nations League, solidifying their position at the top of Group C2. The match, held in Kaunas, saw the Romanian team come from behind after an early goal from Lithuania, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Key Takeaways
- Romania remains unbeaten in the Nations League with four consecutive victories.
- Denis Drăguș was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, scoring the winning goal.
- The match was marked by tensions between players and fans, highlighting the passionate support for the national team.
Match Overview
The game kicked off with a surprising start as Lithuania took the lead in the 7th minute through a penalty converted by Armandas Kucys. However, Romania quickly responded, leveling the score just 11 minutes later when Răzvan Marin found the back of the net.
The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when Denis Drăguș scored, ensuring Romania’s victory and their continued dominance in the group.
Player Performances
Denis Drăguș’s performance was particularly noteworthy, earning him a rating of 7.7 from SofaScore. Other standout players included Răzvan Marin, who received a rating of 7.4, and Marius Marin, with a score of 7.3. The full ratings for the Romanian players are as follows:
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Florin Niță | 6.7 |
| Andrei Rațiu | 6.3 |
| Radu Drăgușin | 6.6 |
| Andrei Burcă | 6.4 |
| Deian Sorescu | 6.2 |
| Răzvan Marin | 7.4 |
| Marius Marin | 7.3 |
| Nicolae Stanciu | 7.2 |
| Dennis Man | 7.0 |
| Denis Drăguș | 7.7 |
| Valentin Mihăilă | 6.8 |
| Darius Olaru | 6.6 |
| Florinel Coman | 6.5 |
| Ianis Hagi | 6.3 |
Fan Reactions
Despite the victory, tensions arose between the players and the fans. Approximately 200 Romanian supporters were present at the match, and some expressed their dissatisfaction with the players’ lack of acknowledgment after the final whistle. Captain Nicolae Stanciu addressed the fans, emphasizing the importance of unity and thanking them for their support.
Coach’s Comments
Romania’s coach, Mircea Lucescu, praised his team’s performance, highlighting their ability to adapt and overcome challenges. He noted that the match was a testament to the players’ hard work and determination.
On the other hand, Lithuania’s coach, Edgaras Jankauskas, expressed frustration over the result, stating that his team deserved more for their efforts. He acknowledged Romania’s strength but lamented the missed opportunities for his side.
Upcoming Matches
Romania’s next challenge in the Nations League will be against Kosovo on November 15, where they aim to maintain their perfect record in the group. With two more matches to play, the team is focused on finishing the group stage with maximum points.
This victory not only boosts Romania’s confidence but also sets the stage for a promising future in the competition, as they continue to build on their success in the Nations League.
Sources
- Notele primite de ”Tricolori”, după Lituania – România 1-2. Cine a ieșit omul meciului, Digi Sport.
- Tensiuni la Kaunas, după Lituania – România 1-2! Suporterii „tricolorilor”, reproșuri pentru jucătorii lui Mircea Lucescu: „Nu ne respectați!”. Ce a răspuns Nicolae Stanciu, Prosport.
- ”Cum-necum am reușit”. Radu Drăgușin, sincer după Lituania – România, Digi Sport.
- Selecționerul Lituaniei, după eșecul cu România: „E frustrant, meritam mai mult”, GSP.
- Ce s-a întâmplat pe teren, după ce s-a terminat partida Lituania – România 1-2. Ce a făcut fotbalistul pe care Mircea Lucescu l-a dat afară din echipa de start, deși toată lumea îl vedea titular, Prosport.
English