15th tournament, same pride for Romania coach
When Romania take to the field at the Homeless World Cup, no one is prouder to see them play than team coach Mihai Rosus.
Mihai has coached the team since they made their first appearance at the tournament back in 2008 in Australia, guiding them to win tier-5 in 2012 and reach the most recent final, where they lost to a Mexico team taking their seventh title in a row.
After watching his team defeat Wales 6-2 in the Women's Stage 2 on day 6 - their fifth win so far in the competition- Mihai said:
“The players are together. They have a lot of pride. And me too. I’m the number one Romania fan. I love Romania and I try to help them because that’s my job. Romania for me is number one.”
About the game, he added: It was a very good game. The level of our team and Wales is very good. Both played with valour. We also had a little luck. My players were very connected and concentrated. This helped us to win.”
And he has plenty of words of praise for Oslo. He said:
“It’s a wonderful experience. It’s a unique experience here. My thanks to the Homeless World Cup, the Salvation Army and all the people who volunteer. Everyone is very kind.”
As for the match, Romania registered the first chance, with a powerful strike producing a good save from the Wales keeper with their legs. Wales defended valiantly to keep Romania from opening the scoring, throwing themselves in front of every shot Romania let off. A great passing move broke the deadlock, a Romania player sending a right foot shot from the right wing into the far corner. Romania missed the chance to go two up, the Wales keeper saving smartly before a Romania player sent a shot off the rebound just wide. Wales then missed a chance of their own to draw level, sending a shot wide of the post after the Romania keeper parried a strong shot from distance.
Into the second half, Romania’s persistence paid off, with a player slotting home from a rebound after the Wales keeper saved from close range. However, in moments Wales found a goal of their own via a stunning strike from distance. Keen to get their noses back in front, Romania burst forward, with a shot blocked as they were about to pull the trigger, before an exquisite three touch passing move saw them score their third. A great run forward and deft finish produced a fourth, before an unlucky deflection saw them gifted a fifth goal moments later. A great piece of control and a brilliant lay off saw Wales score their second, before a stunning double save from point blank range from the Romania keeper prevented a Welsh third. As the clock wound down, a nice passing move was finished off at the edge of the box to give Romania their sixth.
Both teams now progress as the sole European representatives in the top tier trophy. Quarter-finals await on Friday in their quest for the Homeless World Cup.
Words by Craig Williams | Photos by Anita Milas