Match Details
Date & Time: 10 June 2025 at 18:45 UTC, played at the Arena Națională in Bucharest
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers – UEFA Group H
Form & H2H
Romania
- Currently 2nd in Group H with 3 matches played (1 win, 2 losses)
- Recent results: lost 2–1 to Austria (7 June 2025), beat San Marino 5–1, lost 1–0 to Bosnia, and dominated Cyprus 4–1 in November 2024
- Rome robust at home, but shaky of late against stronger sides
Cyprus
- 3rd in Group H: won 2–0 vs San Marino, lost 2–1 to Bosnia, and drew 2–2 in a friendly vs Bulgaria on 6 June
- In H2H against Romania: lost twice (4–1, 3–0) and drawn once back in 2011; Romania have won their last 3 meetings
Key Players & Injuries
Romania
- Missing: Radu Drăgușin (defender), Ianis Hagi, Valentin Mihăilă injured; captain Nicolae Stanciu suspended
- Probable formation: 4‑4‑2 with Moldovan; Ratiu, Popescu, Burcă, Bancu; Man, R. Marin, Chiricheș/Stanciu, Tănase; Bîrligea, Drăguș
- Key midfielders: Răzvan Marin (creative xG threat); exciting striker Daniel Bîrligea, in good form at FCSB with 14 league goals
Cyprus
- Absent: Ioannis Pittas suspended (red card vs Bosnia)
- Likely starting XI: Mall; Pileas, Shelis, Panayiotou, Laifis; Tzionis, Kastanos, Kyriakou, Artymatas; Loizou, Sotiriou
- Strong performers: midfield duo Tzionis & Kastanos, plus winger Loizou offering width
Tactical Analysis
Romania (4‑4‑2)
- Focus on wide supply from Man and Tănase into strikers Bîrligea and Drăguș
- Defensive stability shaken by Drăgușin’s absence—Popescu & Burcă will be tested by Cyprus’ pace on flanks
- Stanciu rotation may affect midfield creativity
Cyprus (4‑4‑2)
- Likely to sit deeper and counter‑attack, using midfield runners to exploit space
- With Pittas out, goals may come from midfield incursions or set‑pieces
Prediction
Romania are clear favourites at home. Despite their recent shaky form, Cyprus lack cutting power with Pittas suspended, and Romania typically dominate this fixture. Expect Romania to edge it.
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Predicted Score: Romania 2–0 Cyprus
Expected Scorers
- Daniel Bîrligea – finishing from crosses and set‑plays
- Răzvan Marin – midfield runner or from a direct shot/corner
Betting Insights
- Romania to win 1X2 (strong odds ~1.31)
- Under 2.5 goals viable (Romania’s defence solid vs Cyprus’ weakened attack)
- First‑half scoring possible given Romania’s home dominance in recent matches
Summary Table
| Factor | Romania | Cyprus |
|---|---|---|
| Form | 1W, 2L (sharp win vs San Marino, losses vs strong teams) | 1W, 1D, 1L; suspended striker |
| H2H | Won last 3 matches, including 4–1 | Struggling head-to-head |
| Game plan | Control midfield, press high, exploit wings | Deep block, counter, set-pieces |
| Missing Players | Drăgușin, Hagi, Mihăilă, Stanciu | Pittas (forward) |
| Scoreline | 2–0 win | Defensive outing |
This is a prediction only—not a guarantee. The absence of Romania’s key players and Cyprus’ disciplined style could tighten the contest. But overall, Romania’s home edge and recent head-to-head dominance give them the upper hand.
Betting Tips
- Romania win (1X2)
- Under 2.5 goals
- Both halves: Romania to score
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