VIDEO SUMMARY // Moldova loses 0-4 to Slovakia, drops to third place in group

Moldova’s national football team suffered a 0-4 (0-2) home defeat to Slovakia on October 6 evening, at a match from the fourth round of the Nations League.

The match, played at the Zimbru Stadium in Chisinau in front of approximately 6,000 spectators, started with a missed opportunity for the “Tricolors.” In the opening minutes, Nicky Clescenco found himself one-on-one with the opposing goalkeeper, but failed to open the scoring. Slovakia gradually took control of the match and opened the scoring, while in the final minute of the first half, on the 44th minute, Tomáš Suslov doubled the visitors’ advantage, following a mistake by goalkeeper Dumitru Celeadnic.

In the second half, Slovakia strengthened its lead with goals scored by Dávid Hancko (60th minute) and Lukáš Haraslín (75th minute).

Lilian Popescu: “If you want to throw stones, throw them at me, not at the players”

At the post-match news conference, the national team coach, Lilian Popescu, acknowledged the difference in class between the two teams, but defended his players, while also thanking the supporters for their unconditional backing.

“It is difficult to say anything after such a score, but I will be honest. We faced a very well-organized opponent. We had our chances, but failed to score, and against a team of this level, the punishment comes immediately. The second goal we conceded before halftime affected us psychologically, and in the second half we took more risks, leaving spaces of which the Slovaks took advantage. Nevertheless, I am proud of my players; they gave everything on the pitch,” Lilian Popescu said.

The coach emphasized that the team was undergoing a transformation and appealed to its critics.

“I can see positive changes, even if they are not happening as quickly as we would all like. I ask those who do not see them or do not want to see them not to throw stones at the footballers—they are our players and they need support. If someone really wants to throw a stone, let them throw it at me; I am already immune to it. In time, these boys will make the supporters proud of them. Gradually, the results will come,” the coach added.

Group standings

Following this defeat and the draw between Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands (2-2), Moldova’s national team dropped to third place in the group. The Faroe Islands moved into second place thanks to a superior goal difference, with both teams having 4 points.

Group standings:

Slovakia – 10 points

Faroe Islands – 4 points

MOLDOVA – 4 points

Kazakhstan – 2 points

Moldova’s next match is scheduled for November 13, when the “Tricolors” will once again play at home against Kazakhstan, before concluding their Nations League campaign with an away match in the Faroe Islands.





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