Mircea Lucescu Announces Team Captain for Crucial San Marino Clash
Romania is gearing up for its important match against San Marino on November 18, 2025. The game will take place at Ilie Oană Stadium in Ploiești, starting at 21:45 local time. This match is significant as it marks Romania’s final game in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round.
Mircea Lucescu Names Dennis Man as Team Captain
Renowned coach Mircea Lucescu has appointed Dennis Man, aged 27, as the team captain for this crucial encounter. Man’s leadership on the field will be essential as Romania looks to close the qualification cycle with a positive outcome.
Match Officials and Key Details
The match will be officiated by 33-year-old Mohammad Al-Emara from Finland, who is making his debut in World Cup qualifiers. Al-Emara, born in Saudi Arabia, is a FIFA-certified referee. His team includes assistants Turkka Valjakka and Mika Lamppu, while Peiman Simani will serve as the fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties will be handled by Italian referees Michael Fabbri and Federico La Penna.
Concerns and Focus Ahead of the Match
Coach Mircea Lucescu has expressed concerns about officiating in previous matches. He highlighted missed penalty opportunities in games against Bosnia, pointing out inconsistencies in referee decisions. Although this match does not influence the final qualification standings, Lucescu is committed to maintaining performance integrity.
Conclusion: Aiming for a Strong Finish
As Romania prepares for the clash with San Marino, the focus remains on delivering a solid performance. With Dennis Man leading the way as captain, the team aims to end the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a high note. Fans can follow the match live on Digi Sport 1 and through the Digi Sport app.
