Andrei Cojuhar (in green uniform) became the best player of the national team of Moldova according to "SoccerWay" // Photo: corriere.it
The “Tricolor” held the defense for almost the entire match, but the four-time world champions gained momentum and showed their class in the final minutes. Gianluca Mancini’s goal was scored by Andrei Kozhukhar in the 88th minute, and in extra time Francesco Pio Esposito set the final score at 0:2.
The match was held at the Zimbru stadium in the presence of 9.5 thousand spectators. The match was officiated by a team of referees from Ukraine headed by Mykola Balakin.
The head coach of the national team of Moldova Lilian Popescu noted the dedication that his charges showed until the last minutes of the match. “Not all players of the national team have the necessary experience, but it is in such matches that it is accumulated. I think that step by step the situation is improving and there will be results in the near future. I thank everyone for their support, the match left no one indifferent,” said the specialist.
Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso in his speech expressed dissatisfaction with the behavior of Squadra Azzurra fans. “The national team did not demonstrate its best game, but there are no easy matches. I’m not comfortable with what I heard from the crowd who were chanting that we need to work. This is a case where we have to stay united, the team is doing what it has to do. I can’t accept how 500-plus fans insult the players,” Gattuso was quoted by BeIN Sports.
The Moldovan national team is in last place in qualifying Group I (see standings). Popescu’s wards have to play their final match against Israel, scheduled for November 16. The match between Italy and Norway will take place on the same day.
The Estonian team was the first in the group to finish the tournament. Having suffered a defeat in the match against Norway (1:4). Alexander Sörlot and Erling Holann scored a double each, while Robi Saarma scored the only goal for Estonia. Holann leads the scorer’s table with 14 goals in the current qualifying tournament.
|
Position in Group I of the qualifying cycle for the World Cup 2026 after nine rounds |
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|
№ |
National team | P | W | D | L | G |
Pts |
|
1 |
Norway* |
7 |
7 | 0 | 0 | 33-4 |
21 |
|
2 |
Italy** |
7 |
6 | 0 | 1 | 20-8 |
18 |
|
3 |
Israel |
7 |
3 | 0 | 4 | 15-19 |
9 |
|
4 |
Estonia |
8 |
1 | 1 | 6 | 8-21 |
4 |
|
5 |
Moldova |
7 |
0 | 1 | 6 | 4-28 |
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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