National Team: Moldova capitalise on the only mistake of the night

Roberto Cevoli keeps eight of the eleven starters who beat Liechtenstein, handing a place from kick-off to Pasolini, Giacopetti and Mularoni. For the latter, making his 45th international appearance, the captain’s armband is worn on his left arm. Moldova start on the front foot, winning two free-kicks that showcase Caimacov’s shooting ability. The deadlock is broken on 10 minutes following a short back-pass from Pasolini that Rață turns into the Moldovan opener. San Marino respond with a cross from the right-hand side by Tosi, dealt with by Cojuhar despite four Biancazzurri attacking the box. On 17 minutes they threaten again with a transition led by Contadini, who finds Mularoni on the edge of the area for a through ball that is then cleared by the home defence. Moldova keep control of possession, while the Titani show themselves with the initiatives of Contadini, Tosi and Giacomo Benvenuti. Despite the calibre of the opposition, San Marino do not abandon an aggressive and positive approach. Thus, on 42 minutes a divot lets down Sensoli, who had broken in transition but then struggles for footing just as he is about to pull the trigger. Shortly afterwards Capicchioni intercepts beyond the halfway line, but is guilty of a touch of selfishness as he unleashes a left-footer from long range that sails well over. At the restart there is room for Valentini and Giocondi, who replace Cevoli and Giocondi, taking over their positions on the pitch. The first effort falls to Ioniță, who tries his luck from medium range and sends the ball just wide. Shortly before the hour mark San Marino survive a prolonged Moldovan attack, with the hosts pushing into the penalty area but unable to finish. Soon after, Zannoni, Battistini and Vitaioli come off the bench. Five minutes later, the latter attacks a cross from Mularoni, but his right-footed effort from the heart of the area is blocked. The Titani continue to push through Giocondi’s initiatives, but Moldova defend stoutly. With San Marino pushing their line higher, more space opens up for the hosts to exploit, and they go close to doubling the lead on 73 minutes with a cross from Platica that flashes across the face of goal. Four minutes later the woodwork comes to Colombo’s aid on a central run by Moțpan. Moldova finish the game on the front foot, looking for a second goal to seal the result, but Platica wastes a great chance on 85 minutes. Moțpan fares no better as he drags a right-footed effort wide from the edge of the area. Deep into added time Cojocaru hits the inside of the post from a Caimacov assist, but the disappointment of the home crowd is partially eased by the offside flag. It is the last thrill of a match that produces a few sparks immediately after the final whistle, though without any consequences in view of the important game in Gibraltar, scheduled for October and valid for Matchday 2 of the UEFA Nations League.

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Official Friendly | Moldova-San Marino 1-0   MOLDOVA Cojuhar; Craciun, Mudrac, Baboglo; Platica, Rață (62' Damașcan), Ioniță (62' Bogaciuc, 65' Plătică), Pușcaș (74' Marandici); Caimacov, Nicolaescu (74' Cojocaru), Stînă (46' Moțpan) Substitutes: Caleadnic, Cebotari, Motoc, Mandricenco, Cojocari, Revenco Coach: Serghei Cleşcenco   SAN MARINO Colombo; G. Benvenuti (80' D'Addario), Cevoli (46' Valentini), Pasolini, Tosi; Mularoni, Capicchioni (61' Mi. Battistini), Valli Casadei; Contadini (46' Giocondi), Sensoli (65' Zannoni); Giacopetti (61' Vitaioli) Substitutes: De Angelis, Zavoli, T. Benvenuti, Rossi, E. Golinucci Coach: Roberto Cevoli   Referee: Dmytro Kubriak (UKR) Assistant referees: Valentyn Kutsev (UKR) and Oleksandr Korniyko (UKR) Fourth official: Roman Jitari (MDA) Scorer: 10' Rață Booked: Pasolini, Mularoni, Giocondi, Baboglo, Vitaioli Attendance: 3,530

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