Romania - Trinidad & Tobago

International Friendly Match

Interesting match in Bucharest, as we see two different and unusual teams in this friendly set-up. Romania lost it's glory days for quite a while, and are now usually struggling even against more modest opposition. However, I just can't see beyond an easy win for them in this game, as Trinidad & Tobago are just not on the same level. For the hosts, we'll see a few new players, as coach Piturca is keen on testing out new players ahead of the official matches. But the new ones have had a fairly good season in their league, and besides them, we'll also see some of the veterans (Rat, Goian, Torje, Marica and Stancu). No word yet on the starting line-up, but we'll probably see a mixed squad of veterans and inexperienced players, and there should be a lot of changes throughout the game. But in all honesty, whatever players will walk on the pitch, it should be more than enough to see off T&T. The Carribean team is also traveling without some of their most capped players, and only 7 of their squad are performing in Europe (most of them are playing in Finland or in the English lower divisions), while the core of the team plays in the local league. And if we look at their matches from the last 6 months, I just can't see how a team that loses to Antigua & Barbuda and draws with Martinique, can stand in front of a much better team. GL!

Romania (-1.5 AH) @ 1.96, 4/10
Result: 4-0, WON

Romania - Uruguay

International Friendly

There is always room for failures in friendly matches, but for Uruguay this should be something more. The main reason for that is that with a win today, the South Americans will equalize their undefeated run of 14 matches, and would have a chance to beat that record, thus cementing their place as one of the top teams, after their good performance in the World Cup and their triumph in Copa America. And they won't take any middle-road today, as all their main weapons are set to start the game, with an offensive trio formed by Forlan, Suarez and Cavani... the best they have. Romania will also try to take this match seriously, but they lack quality. Coach Piturca went for a lot of youth in the squad, and besides the fact that many of the players haven't confirmed at the top level, there is also some lack of international experience in the squad. Defense should be the key word for Romania today, with hopes of some lucky counter-attacks. However, the Europeans aren't in their best moment, and with the class difference clearly in Uruguay's favor, they shouldn't lose this game. GL!

Uruguay (-0.25 AH) @ 1.87, 2/10

Result: 1-1, HALF-LOST

Brazil - Romania

International Friendly

I'm not a big fan of these friendly matches, especially if they have high handicap lines, but this particular one should be a good one. As you probably may know, this will be Ronaldo's retirement game, so he will for sure play a part in it (let's hope he won't play the full 90 minutes though). And despite Brazil missing some players with big names, they still have plenty of quality within their ranks. Lucio, Maicon, Luisao, Elano, Robinho, Neymar, Pato... just to name a few, and they are all in the squad, probably with high chances of playing. So, Brazil has a big advantage in quality, both individually and as a team, and this gap will be even bigger, since some of Romania's best players didn't even make the trip: Mutu, Rat, Sapunaru and Tamas, that leaving the team with an improvised defensive line (pretty weak one), and with some 'patches' in midfield and offense. But even more important than that is their determination and mentality. Romanian players rarely kill themselves with effort, especially in friendly matches. And since the season is pretty much over, I expect them to enjoy a nice holiday in Brazil for a few days. The players also need to adjust to the time zone, and play in front of what is expected to be a full stadium. Really doubt they will ruin the party, and Brazil is more than capable of putting a few goals in Romania's net. Small stakes though, as it's still just a friendly. GL!

Brazil (-1.75 AH) @ 1.74, 3/10

Result: 1-0, LOST