A preview of the football match pitting Romania against Estonia

A look at tonights highlight match between Romania and Estonia, which will decide who plays in the 2014 World Cup playoffs.

Florin Orban, 15.10.2013, 13:19

In order to secure second place in Group D, which would allow the team to play in the 2014 World Cup playoffs, Romania needs a win in the match against Estonia tonight. Coach Victor Piturca wants to put on a good display of football, with as many goals on the scoreboard as possible. “Our only option is a win, so we’ve prepared the match thoroughly. We hope to pull a good game on Tuesday evening and to win without any worries on the ground”, Victor Piturca said.

For Romania to advance to the next stage, it needs 3 points against Estonia, but that also depends on the other group fixture pitting Turkey on home turf against the Netherlands. Turkey must draw or lose against the Dutch team. In the worst-case scenario, in case of a narrow win for the Turkish side in Istanbul, Romania must win at a difference of at least 5 goals against Estonia, which would guarantee the Romanian side a better goal-average, and thus secure them the second place in the group standings.

The only absence for Romania is fullback Vlad Chiriches, who has been suspended for one match for reaching the yellow card limit. Victor Piturca chose to rest some of the first-team regulars in the match against Andorra, hoping they would make a difference in the match against Estonia.

On the other hand, Estonia is no easy opponent for Romania. They are a team capable of producing unpleasant surprises, such as the 2-all draw against the Netherlands at home. In the 2012 European Championship qualifiers, Estonia had a remarkable run, qualifying to the playoffs. Coach Tarmo Ruutli said luck would decide who will play in the 2014 World Cup playoffs, Romania or Turkey. “Romania and Turkey are both strong teams, almost equals, and whoever has luck on their side will play in the playoffs”, Ruutli said on Monday evening.

Only 2,500 tickets of a total of 50,000 were sold prior to tonight’s match. Victor Piturca believes the National Arena Stadium will be packed. “I have little concern about the crowd in the stands. I am confident many will come to see us play”. Over 700 riot police officers will ensure all public security and safety measures throughout the entire evening. The match is due to kick off at 21h00, Bucharest time.