A draw in Tallinn was a natural result of the match // Photo: err.ee
The Estonian national team opened the scoring on 12 minutes through midfielder Mattias Käit. In the 64th minute, Stefan Bodisteanu, who came on as a substitute at the beginning of the second half, struck the opponents’ goal and set the final score at 1:1. The goal was the 22-year-old striker’s debut as a national team player. “Tricolor” managed to break the losing streak, which reached five matches in the qualifying cycle and seven – including friendlies.
A team of referees from Croatia, headed by Igor Pajac, judged the teams. The match took place in Tallinn at Le Coq Arena in the presence of 4,700 spectators in a capacity of 14,300.
The head coach of the Moldovan national team Lilian Popescu emphasized that the team was aimed at victory, but the game turned out to be open and both opponents had chances to win. “This match showed that we have guys, we have a future. Time is needed but it is limited. There are a lot of moments that need to be worked on – both at the stage of transitions (from defense to attack and vice versa – ed.), and in positional play in defense… None of the players were indifferent, everyone fought on the field. If the guys continue to play with the same dedication, with the fighting spirit for the tricolor, which they wear on their shirts, the national team will improve,” said the specialist at the post-match press conference.
Estonian national team coach Jurgen Henn was dissatisfied with the result. “We did not play not to lose, we played to win. Until the 60th minute we kept the situation under control, but after a few substitutions, when young players came on the field, the game became a bit chaotic. It’s a shame,” said the coach.
Lilian Popescu’s wards have two matches left to play – against Italy (November 13) and Israel (November 16). Both matches will be held in Moldova.
In the seventh round, which “tricolor” missed, the Norwegian national team defeated Israel (5:0) and strengthened the leadership in Group I (see the standings). Estonia hosted Italy and suffered a 1-3 defeat. In the second match of the eighth round, the Italians won a big victory over Israel (3:0).
|
Position in Group I of the World Cup 2026 qualifying cycle after eight rounds |
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|
№ |
National team | P | W | D | L | G |
Pts |
|
1 |
Norway* |
6 |
6 | 0 | 0 | 29-3 |
18 |
|
2 |
Italy** |
6 |
5 | 0 | 1 | 18-8 |
15 |
|
3 |
Israel |
7 |
3 | 0 | 4 | 15-19 |
9 |
|
4 |
Estonia |
7 |
1 | 1 | 5 | 7-17 |
4 |
|
5 |
Moldova |
6 |
0 | 1 | 5 | 4-26 |
1 |
| * The first place team in the group directly qualifies for the World Championship
** The second-placed team qualifies for the playoffs, in which 16 teams will play for four spots. |
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