Romania will face Sweden in the upcoming edition of the Nations League, which will debut in September, and the Nordic national team was just defeated at the World Cup with a 5-1 score on Saturday night by the Netherlands.
Even though they started with a clear victory, 5-1 against Tunisia, Sweden seems extremely vulnerable in defense. The team coached by Englishman Graham Potter will fight for qualification in the last round in a tough match against Japan, still keeping chances even in case of a defeat, to secure the 3rd place based on goal difference.
The technical director of the Romanian Football Federation, Mihai Stoichita, talked about the performance of the Swedes, providing some advice to the head coach Gica Hagi:
"They do have high-quality players from midfield up, but in defense… They are exposed on the flanks, yes, but they didn't think it through well, as they had Gakpo, Dumfries, it was a bother. I don't attend matches, no, we have work to do here with the national teams and the youth. Gica Hagi is starting many players, which is very good."
The Nations League is a transitional moment for the main competition, as the qualification for the EURO will follow. Look at how easily the big teams that apply advanced pressing reach the goal. If you win the ball through pressing, within two to three passes, you're at the opponent's goal," stated Mihai Stoichita on the Digi Sport Matinal show.
Romania will play four times in the Nations League group between September 25 and October 5, first in Sweden, then at home against Bosnia, a match without spectators in the stands, away in Poland, and at home against Sweden.
Romania's full schedule:
Sweden - Romania, September 25 (21:45)
Romania - Bosnia and Herzegovina, September 28 (21:45)
Poland - Romania, October 2 (21:45)
Romania - Sweden, October 5 (21:45)
Romania - Poland, November 14 (21:45)
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Romania, November 17 (21:45)
D.A.