Moldova national football team

The Moldova national football team (Romanian: Echipa națională de fotbal a Moldovei) represents Moldova in men's international football and is controlled by the Moldovan Football Federation, the governing body for football in Moldova. Moldova's home ground is Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău and their head coach is Serghei Cleșcenco. Shortly before the break-up of the Soviet Union, they played their first match against Georgia on 2 July 1991.

Moldova
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Tricolorii (The Tricolours)
AssociationMoldovan Football Federation (FMF)
ConfederationUEFA (Europe)
Head coachSerghei Cleșcenco
CaptainVadim Rață
Most capsAlexandru Epureanu (100)
Top scorerIon Nicolaescu (15)
Home stadiumZimbru Stadium
FIFA codeMDA
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 153 Increase 2 (4 April 2024)[1]
Highest37 (April 2008)
Lowest181 (October 2021)
First international
Unofficial
 Moldova 2–4 Georgia 
(Chișinău, SSR Moldova, Soviet Union; 2 July 1991)
Official
 United States 1–1 Moldova 
(Jacksonville, United States; 16 April 1994)
Biggest win
 Pakistan 0–5 Moldova 
(Amman, Jordan; 18 August 1992)
Biggest defeat
 Denmark 8–0 Moldova 
(Herning, Denmark; 28 March 2021)
World Cup
Appearances0
Best result5th in Qualification Group (2014 qualifying)
European Championship
Appearances0
Best result5th in Qualification Group (2008 qualifying)
Websitefmf.md

Two of their three best results in the 2020s came during the qualifiers for UEFA Euro 2024, with a win over Poland (3-2) in Chişinău, coming back from a 0-2 deficit, and a draw against Czech Republic (0-0) in Chișinău. In 2007, Moldova upset Hungary 3–0 in Chișinău in Euro 2008 qualifying. Another notable result was a 5–2 win over Montenegro during 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying. The team has never qualified for the final stages of the UEFA European Championship nor the FIFA World Cup since first entering qualifying in 1994.

Following Moldova's 4–0 defeat to England in September 1997, British writer and comedian Tony Hawks travelled to Moldova to challenge and beat all 11 Moldovan international footballers at tennis. The feature film version of the book of the same name, Playing the Moldovans at Tennis, was filmed in and around Chișinău in May and June 2010 and was released in the spring of 2012.

History

The Moldovan Football Federation was founded in 1990. However, the national football team of Moldova did not play an official international match until 1991, when Moldova lost to Georgia. Alexandru Spiridon was the player who scored the first goal in the history.

Moldova's first attempt to qualify for the FIFA World Cup was in 1998, but they failed to qualify for the tournament. Moldova has finished either last or second last in all tournament qualifying campaigns entered to date, except UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying, in which they finished fifth in the seven-team Group C with 12 points.

The UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying was a watershed moment for Moldova, the Moldovans came agonisingly close to a historic competitive debut for the first time, acquiring ten points in a group of five; the Moldovans also gained an impressive feat by being undefeated at home throughout the qualification, including a historic shock 3–2 comeback win over Poland[3][4] and were one win away from qualifying for UEFA Euro 2024.[5] However, a denting away loss to the Czech Republic in the final matchday killed off Moldova's debuting hope once again, as they finished fourth and were eliminated due to inferior record.[6][7]

Current sponsorship

Kit suppliers

Kit supplierPeriod
Reusch1994–1998
Puma1998–2000
Jako2000–present

Home stadium

Zimbru Stadium

Moldova national football team plays its official games at Zimbru Stadium in Chișinău. The stadium is a privately held structure, but is under administration of FMF until 2026.[8] The senior team, along with youth teams use Stadionul CPSM for training purposes. It is located in Vadul lui Vodă, a village along the Dniester River, approximately 25 kilometres from Chișinău.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2023

v  Moldova
17 June 2023 (2023-06-17) UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Albania  2–0  Moldova Tirana, Albania
20:45 UTC+2
ReportStadium: Arena Kombëtare
Attendance: 20,944
Referee: Dennis Higler (Netherlands)
v  Poland
20 June 2023 (2023-06-20) UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Moldova  3–2  Poland Chișinău, Moldova
21:45 UTC+3
ReportStadium: Stadionul Zimbru
Attendance: 9,442
Referee: Filip Glova (Slovakia)
v  Moldova
7 September 2023 (2023-09-07) Friendly Austria  1–1  Moldova Linz, Austria
20:30 UTC+2Gregoritsch 50'ReportDamașcan 3'Stadium: Raiffeisen Arena
Attendance: 13,200
Referee: Robert Jones (England)
v  Moldova
10 September 2023 (2023-09-10) UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Faroe Islands  0–1  Moldova Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
17:00 UTC+1ReportRață 53'Stadium: Tórsvøllur
Attendance: 2,710
Referee: Vassilios Fotias (Greece)
v  Moldova
12 October 2023 (2023-10-12) Friendly Sweden  3–1  Moldova Solna, Sweden
19:00 UTC+2ReportNicolaescu 39'Stadium: Friends Arena
Attendance: 10,097
Referee: Antti Munukka (Finland)
v  Moldova
15 October 2023 (2023-10-15) UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Poland  1–1  Moldova Warsaw, Poland
20:45 UTC+2Świderski 53'ReportNicolaescu 26'Stadium: Stadion Narodowy
Attendance: 51,672
Referee: Artur Soares Dias (Portugal)
v  Albania
17 November 2023 (2023-11-17) UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Moldova  1–1  Albania Chișinău, Moldova
19:00 UTC+2Baboglo 87'ReportÇikalleshi 25' (pen.)Stadium: Stadionul Zimbru
Attendance: 9,537
Referee: Willie Collum (Scotland)
v  Moldova
20 November 2023 (2023-11-20) UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying Czech Republic  3–0  Moldova Olomouc, Czech Republic
20:45 UTC+1ReportStadium: Andrův Stadion
Attendance: 11,653
Referee: Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)

2024

v  Moldova
22 March 2024 (2024-03-22) Friendly North Macedonia  1–1  Moldova Antalya, Turkey
17:30 UTC+3
ReportStadium: Mardan Sports Complex
Attendance: 100
Referee: Damian Kos (Poland)
v  Moldova
26 March 2024 (2024-03-26) Friendly Cayman Islands  0–4  Moldova Antalya, Turkey
17:00 UTC+3ReportStadium: Mardan Sports Complex
Attendance: 100
Referee: Kadir Sağlam (Turkey)
v  Cyprus
8 June 2024 (2024-06-08) Friendly Moldova  v  Cyprus Chișinău, Moldova
19:00 UTC+3ReportStadium: Stadionul Zimbru
v  Ukraine
11 June 2024 (2024-06-11) Friendly Moldova  v  Ukraine Chișinău, Moldova
--:-- UTC+3ReportStadium: Stadionul Zimbru
v  Malta
7 September 2024 (2024-09-07) 2024–25 UEFA Nations League D2 Moldova  v  Malta Chișinău, Moldova
19:00 UTC+3ReportStadium: Stadionul Zimbru
v  San Marino
10 September 2024 (2024-09-10) Friendly Moldova  v  San Marino Chișinău, Moldova
19:00 UTC+3ReportStadium: Stadionul Zimbru
v  Andorra
10 October 2024 (2024-10-10) 2024–25 UEFA Nations League D2 Moldova  v  Andorra Chișinău, Moldova
21:45 UTC+3ReportStadium: Stadionul Zimbru
v  Moldova
13 October 2024 (2024-10-13) 2024–25 UEFA Nations League D2 Malta  v  Moldova Ta' Qali, Malta
18:00 UTC+2ReportStadium: National Stadium
v  Moldova
16 November 2024 (2024-11-16) 2024–25 UEFA Nations League D2 Andorra  v  Moldova Andorra la Vella, Andorra
17:00 UTC+1ReportStadium: Estadi Nacional

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff

PositionStaff
Head coach Serghei Cleșcenco
Assistant coaches Vitalie Culibaba
Sergiu Secu
Goalkeeping coach Denis Romanenco
Fitness coach Alexei Scorpan

Last updated: 26 March 2024
Source: FMF

Manager history

Former forward and second all-time top goalscorer for Moldova, Serghei Cleșcenco is the current head coach of the national team since December 2021.[9]

As of 26 March 2024[10]
CoachNat.PeriodPlayedWinDrawnLoss% Won
Ion Caras 1991–19922011000.00
Eugen Piunovschi 19925302060.00
Ion Caras 1992–1997275319018.52
Alexandru Mațiura (interim) 19981001000.00
Ivan Daniliants 1998–199914275014.29
Alexandru Mațiura 1999–200116448025.00
Alexandru Spiridon 20014103025.00
Viktor Pasulko 2002–2005357820020.00
Anatol Teslev 20066123016.67
Igor Dobrovolski 2007–2009307914023.33
Gavril Balint 2010–2011185211027.78
Ion Caras 2012–2014276714022.22
Alexandru Curtianu 2014–201510046000.00
Ștefan Stoica (interim) 20153003000.00
Igor Dobrovolski 2016–2017182511011.11
Alexandru Spiridon 2018–201916358018.75
Semen Altman 20194004000.00
Engin Fırat 2019–202011029000.00
Roberto Bordin 2021121110008.33
Serghei Cleșcenco 2021–247710029.17

Players

Current squad

The following players were selected for the friendly matches against  North Macedonia and  Cayman Islands on 22 and 26 March 2024, respectively.[11]

Caps and goals are correct as of 26 March 2024, after the match against Cayman Islands.[12]

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11GKNicolae Cebotari (1997-05-24) 24 May 1997 (age 26)10 Zimbru Chișinău
121GKCristian Avram (1994-07-27) 27 July 1994 (age 29)90 Araz-Naxçıvan
231GKDorian Railean (1993-10-13) 13 October 1993 (age 30)170 Dinamo București
251GKAlexei Koșelev (1993-11-19) 19 November 1993 (age 30)260 Lamia

22DFOleg Reabciuk (1998-01-16) 16 January 1998 (age 26)470 Spartak Moscow
42DFVladislav Baboglo (1998-11-14) 14 November 1998 (age 25)92 Karpaty Lviv
52DFVeaceslav Posmac (1990-11-07) 7 November 1990 (age 33)702 Boluspor
62DFVadim Dijinari (1999-04-01) 1 April 1999 (age 25)00 Milsami Orhei
142DFArtur Crăciun (1998-06-29) 29 June 1998 (age 25)240 Puszcza Niepołomice
202DFSergiu Plătică (1991-06-09) 9 June 1991 (age 32)420 Petrocub Hîncești
212DFIoan-Călin Revenco (2000-06-26) 26 June 2000 (age 23)231 Puszcza Niepołomice
262DFVictor Mudrac (1994-03-03) 3 March 1994 (age 30)130 Petrocub Hîncești

73MFArtur Ioniță (1990-08-17) 17 August 1990 (age 33)694 Lecco
83MFNichita Moțpan (2001-07-17) 17 July 2001 (age 22)172 Fakel Voronezh
103MFMihai Plătică (1990-03-15) 15 March 1990 (age 34)161 Petrocub Hîncești
113MFMihail Caimacov (1998-07-22) 22 July 1998 (age 25)241 Slaven Belupo
163MFVictor Stînă (1998-03-20) 20 March 1998 (age 26)142 AEL
183MFSerafim Cojocari (2001-01-07) 7 January 2001 (age 23)110 Unirea Slobozia
193MFVictor Bogaciuc (1999-10-17) 17 October 1999 (age 24)81 Chindia Târgoviște
223MFVadim Rață (captain) (1993-05-05) 5 May 1993 (age 30)452 Voluntari

94FWIon Nicolaescu (1998-09-07) 7 September 1998 (age 25)4215 Heerenveen
134FWMaxim Cojocaru (1998-01-13) 13 January 1998 (age 26)200 Chindia Târgoviște
154FWNicky Cleșcenco (2001-07-23) 23 July 2001 (age 22)50 Petrocub Hîncești
174FWVirgiliu Postolachi (2000-03-17) 17 March 2000 (age 24)190 Grenoble
244FWVitalie Damașcan (1999-01-24) 24 January 1999 (age 25)365 Stade Lausanne Ouchy

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Moldova squad within the last 12 months.[13]

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GKVictor Străistari (1999-06-21) 21 June 1999 (age 24)00 Sheriff Tiraspolv.  Faroe Islands, 10 September 2023
GKDumitru Celeadnic (1992-04-23) 23 April 1992 (age 32)60 Sheriff Tiraspolv.  Poland, 20 June 2023

DFDenis Marandici (1996-09-18) 18 September 1996 (age 27)100 Turan Tovuzv.  Czech Republic, 20 November 2023
DFIon Jardan (1990-01-10) 10 January 1990 (age 34)500 Petrocub Hînceștiv.  Czech Republic, 20 November 2023
DFVadim Bolohan (1986-08-15) 15 August 1986 (age 37)401 Milsami Orheiv.  Czech Republic, 20 November 2023
DFDinis Ieșeanu (2000-02-20) 20 February 2000 (age 24)00Free agentv.  Czech Republic, 20 November 2023
DFDenis Furtună (1999-10-13) 13 October 1999 (age 24)00 Zimbru Chișinăuv.  Poland, 15 October 2023
DFMihail Ștefan (2001-08-07) 7 August 2001 (age 22)00 Zimbru Chișinăuv.  Faroe Islands, 10 September 2023
DFAlexandr Belousov (1998-05-14) 14 May 1998 (age 25)50Free agentv.  Poland, 20 June 2023

MFCristian Dros (1998-04-15) 15 April 1998 (age 26)150 Slavia Mozyrv.  Poland, 20 June 2023

FWAndrei Cobeț (1997-01-03) 3 January 1997 (age 27)20 Torpedo-BelAZv.  Czech Republic, 20 November 2023
FWDaniel Danu (2002-08-26) 26 August 2002 (age 21)00 Bălțiv.  Faroe Islands, 10 September 2023
FWMarius Iosipoi (2000-04-28) 28 April 2000 (age 24)60 Petrocub Hînceștiv.  Poland, 20 June 2023

INJ Withdrew due to injury
PRE Preliminary squad / standby
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Serving suspension
WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Player records

As of 26 March 2024[14][15]
Players in bold are still active with Moldova.

Most appearances

Alexandru Epureanu is Moldova's most capped player with 100 appearances.
RankPlayerCapsGoalsPositionCareer
1Alexandru Epureanu1007DF2006–2021
2Igor Armaș836DF2008–2023
3Victor Golovatenco793DF2004–2017
4Radu Rebeja742MF1991–2008
5Veaceslav Posmac702DF2013–present
6Artur Ioniță694MF2009–present
Serghei Cleșcenco6911FW1991–2006
8Eugeniu Cebotaru681MF2007–2020
9Alexandru Gațcan635MF2005–2018
10Alexandru Suvorov595MF2006–2020
Ion Nicolaescu is Moldova's all-time top scorer with 15 goals.

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerGoalsCapsAverageCareer
1Ion Nicolaescu15420.362018–present
2Serghei Cleșcenco11690.161991–2006
3Serghei Rogaciov9520.171996–2007
4Sergiu Dadu8300.272002–2013
Iurie Miterev8360.221992–2006
Igor Bugaiov8540.152007–2017
7Eugen Sidorenco7350.22010–2019
Viorel Frunză7370.192002–2015
Radu Gînsari7470.152012–present
Alexandru Epureanu71000.072006–2021

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup recordQualification record
YearResultPositionPldWDLGFGASquadPldWDLGFGAPos
1930 to 1938Part of  RomaniaPart of  Romania
1950 to 1990Part of  Soviet UnionPart of  Soviet Union
1994Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member[a]
1998Did not qualify80082215/5
2002101366205/6
2006101275166/6
2010100376186/6
20141032512175/6
2018100284236/6
2022100195306/6
2026To be determinedTo be determined
2030[b]
2034
Total6851350401450/7

UEFA European Championship

UEFA European Championship recordQualifying record
YearResultPositionPldWDLGFGASquadPldWDLGFGAPos
1960 to 1988Part of  Soviet UnionPart of  Soviet Union
1992Part of  CIS
1996Did not qualify1030711274/6
200080447175/5
200482065194/5
20081233612195/7
20121030712165/6
2016100284166/6
2020101094266/6
202482427104/5
2028To be determinedTo be determined
2032
Total76141349621500/8

UEFA Nations League

UEFA Nations League recordPromotion/relegation play-offs
SeasonDivisionPositionPldWDLGFGARKPldWDLGFGAP/R
2018–19D3/462314548th
2020–21C4/4601511148th210122
2022–23D2/4641110651st
2024–25D/000000
Total186571522210122

By competition

Competition P W D L GF GA GD Win % Loss %
FIFA World Cup qualification685135040145–1057.3573.53
UEFA European qualification7614134962150–8818.4264.47
UEFA Nations League207581724–735.0040.00
Total1642631107119319–20015.8565.24

Head-to-head record

Last match updated was against  Cayman Islands on 26 March 2024.[17]

Notes

References

External links