Cyprus vs Romania

AEK Arena in Larnaca forms the backdrop for a lopsided UEFA Nations League clash between Cyprus and Romania.

Despite narrowly beating Lithuania 1-0 at the start of their fourth consecutive League C campaign, Cyprus slipped to a humiliating 4-0 home defeat to Kosovo last time out, signaling the end of Temur Ketsbaia’s tenure. After appointing several foreign managers to no avail, Cyprus turned to long-serving domestic tactician Sofronios Avgousti last month, handing him a two-year contract. Avgousti’s first task in charge of the national team is to restore Cyprus’ confidence after losing five successive home matches across all competitions, ominously conceding at least three goals in each of the last four. Their pursuit of a top-two finish is still alive and kicking despite the abovementioned rout at the hands of Kosovo, yet they must beat a Romania side they last faced in competitive action in 1992.

Romania ran out 4-1 victors on Cypriot soil in World Cup qualifying that time and will seek a repeat following an inspiring Nations League start. Mircea Lucescu’s men trounced Kosovo 3-0 in their opening Group C2 fixture before a 3-1 home thrashing of Lithuania, potentially setting the groundwork for an immediate League B return. The Tricolours enjoyed an unbeaten Euro 2024 qualifying campaign before their formidable Nations League start, making it seven straight qualifying matches without a loss (W3, D4). Moreover, taking their Euro 2024 participation out of the equation, the Romanians haven’t lost an international on foreign soil since succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the previous Nations League cycle. Since then, they’ve mustered eight successive away games without losing (W4, D4).