Romania vs Lithuania Prediction: 9/9/2024

Romania, once a strong team in the late 1990s with notable performances such as reaching the quarter-finals in the 1994 World Cup and the round of 16 in the 1998 World Cup, has since become more of a mid-tier team in global football.

In their most recent international campaign at Euro 2024, Romania made it to the round of 16 but suffered a heavy 3-0 loss to the Netherlands. In the last edition of the Nations League, they finished 4th in their group in League B, which led to their relegation to a lower tier. Romania recently faced Kosovo away in their first match of the new Nations League edition.

Meanwhile, Lithuania ended up in last place in their Nations League C group but avoided relegation. The team remains at a modest level, comparable to nations like Luxembourg and the Faroe Islands. In their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, Lithuania finished 4th in Group G, collecting just six points from 10 matches. They also lost the Baltic Cup in June, falling to Estonia on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Lithuania kicked off their Nations League C campaign last Friday by hosting Cyprus.

Romania enters their match against Lithuania with key players such as goalkeeper Nita (25 caps, Damac), defenders Dragusin (21 caps, Tottenham), and Andrei Ratiu (21 caps, Rayo Vallecano). The team’s strength lies in their midfield, featuring experienced players like captain Stanciu (75 caps), Marin (59 caps, Cagliari), Man (28 caps, 7 goals, Parma), and Mihaila (24 caps, Parma). Up front, George Puskas (44 caps, 11 goals) is expected to lead the attack.

However, Romania will be without Nedelcearu (27 caps, 2 goals) due to injury, and other key players like Rus (22 caps, Pisa), Cicaldau (38 caps, Galatasaray), and Tanase (18 caps, 3 goals) are also sidelined.

 

Prediction

Lithuania has been performing remarkably well in their recent away games, winning eight consecutive matches at the highest level of the UEFA Nations League. On the other hand, Romania has struggled at home, suffering four straight defeats and conceding 12 goals in the process.

Prediction: Romania 0 – 1 Lithuania