Romania v Spain - preview and possible line-ups

Team News

Romania: Alexander Chipciu is suspended for the home side after seeing red in his team's victory over Malta back in June. Apart from that, the hosts have a full squad to choose from. 

Spain: Roberto Moreno will be without Koke and Alvaro Morata as well Real Madrid's Marco Asensio who suffered a long term injury in pre-season. Costa has been left out while Isco (hamstring) is also unavailable, but Sergio Ramos will play. The experienced defender will go level with Iker Casillas' 167 caps for Spain if he plays against both Romania and then the Faroe Islands on Sunday. 

Managers' thoughts

The Romania coach Cosmin Contra knows Spain after playing for Alaves, Atletico and Getafe during his career and is well aware of their quality: "It's never a good time to play Spain. We will have to play the perfect game tactically and physically." He also downplayed the importance of it being Robert  Moreno's first game in charge since being officially appointed as Spain coach after doing three matches as caretaker. "Moreno has always been with them since Luis Enrique was appointed coach," Contra said. 

Robert Moreno called it a special international break for Spain as "we owe Luis Enrique a victory" after the passing of his daughter. Despite having four wins from four, Moreno said it would not be an easy game for his side: "Romania are a good team. They haven't lost at home since 2016. They have scored the same number of goals in Euro 2020 qualifying (11)." He concluded that his team would have to play very well if they wanted to keep up their 100% record in the group. 

Did you know?

Spain have never beaten Romania in their own back yard. This will be their seventh trip to the country and they have drawn three of their previous six visits.

Recent form

Romania: won 0-4 at Malta (10/6), drew 2-2 at Norway (7/6), won 4-1 v Faroe Islands (26/3) and lost 2-1 at Sweden (23/3) all in Euro 2020 qualifiers.

Spain: won 3-0 v Sweden (10/6), won 1-4 at Faroe Islands (7/6), won 0-2 at Malta (26/3) and won 2-1 v Norway (23/3) all in Euro 2020 qualifiers. 

Possible line-ups

Romania: Tatarusanu (GK); Grigore, Nedelcearu, Chiriches, Tosca; Marin, Stanciu, Maxim, Hagi; Puscas, Keseru

Spain: Kepa (GK); Carvajal, Ramos, Martinez, Alba; Parejo, Busquets, Fabian; Moreno, Rodrigo, Alcacer