AGONA Profile: Moldova, the underdogs of League C in the Nations League 

The AGONA Profile takes a closer look at Moldova, who will compete against Greece in the 2020/2021 UEFA Nations League.

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If you lose to Andorra, then you know that you’re probably not a particularly strong team. Moldova, who did indeed concede a defeat against Andorra in the qualifying process for UEFA Euro 2020, are surely the weakest side of Group 3 in League C of the Nations League. Over the course of the past few years, results have deteriorated for the Moldovans on the international stage, rarely emerging victories in their games while conceding defeats against fellow minnows of the European game.

In the qualification stage of Euro 2020, Moldova were placed in Group H alongside France, Turkey, Iceland, Albania and Andorra, recording one victory, nine defeats and a negative goal difference of -22 (4-26). When competing against the French in Paris, Moldova did take the lead with Vadim Rata striking gold in the ninth minute, and the hosts did require a late penalty from Olivier Giroud to eventually clinch the win by a score of 2-1.

Moldova tallied their only win against Andorra (1-0) at home.

As an independent nation, Moldova have never participated at a major tournament, always falling short in the qualifiers. Their home matches are played at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau.

In the 2018 Nations League, the Moldovans did earn promotion to League C, claiming third place of Group 2 in League D behind Belarus and Luxembourg. San Marino finished behind Moldova in fourth.

HEAD COACH

Turkish manager Engin Firat, 49, has been at the helm of the Moldovan national team since October 2019. So far, he has only coached three games with Moldova, conceding defeats to France (1-2), Iceland (1-2) and Sweden (0-1). Taking into account that he has had little time to work with the team, it’s too early to judge his efforts, and he will be aiming at keeping Moldova in League C of the Nations League. In the past, Firat has worked as the head coach of Sepahan, Gostaresh and Saipa in Iran.

KEY PLAYERS

Alexei Koselev, 26, is the starting goalkeeper for Fortuna Sittard in the Eredivisie. This season, Koselev has competed in 26 league games with Fortuna Sittard, conceding a total of 52 goals while gaining six clean sheets. Moldova, a team which regularly allows the opponents plenty of shots, rely on Koselev to play at his best to give them a chance of earning a positive result. Koselev has made 21 appearances for the senior national team since making his debut in 2015.

Radu Ginsari, an attacking midfielder, will look to provide threat moving forward. A player with a direct approach, he moved on loan to Ironi Kiryat Shmona on loan from Krylya Sovetov in January, where he has since scored one goal in the domestic championship in Israel. To date, the midfielder has netted seven goals in 34 games for his nation, and it’s worth noting that he can also compete on the wings if necessary.

Central defender Igor Armas boasts bags of experience. Now 32 years of age, the centre-back made his name in Russia with Kuban Krasnodar and Anzhi Makhachkala, before moving back to his homeland with Voluntari in September 2018. Armas, possessing 58 national team caps, is a reliable figure in defence.

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