Character test and ego boost: Now it’s about more than just winning the group for the national team

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The EM ticket is secured. With hanging and stitching. With some terrible performances. But the example of Croatia shows that things could certainly be worse. The third place at the World Cup has to worry about participation in the European Championship until the last second. In any case, the national team will be spared that.

And so it’s all about fame and honor in the sold-out National Stadium in Bucharest. Real? Not even close! There are still many specific issues at stake.

The Hammer Group is threatening

The pot distribution for the draw for the European Championship groups in the Hamburg Elbharmonie on December 2 is based on qualification. After the 1-1 draw against Israel, pot 1 is no longer possible because at least five group winners are better than Switzerland. But if Yakin’s team wins the group, they will certainly enter pot 2.

But there is also a horror scenario looming. Because in the event of a draw or defeat, the national team ends up in pot four! A group with, for example, France, Belgium and the Netherlands would therefore be conceivable. So it is specifically about not jeopardizing the chances of the European Championship before the final even starts in Germany.

That’s the concrete thing. But there is also an immeasurable part that is important. That this team must show that it has character. That she doesn’t care what she serves to the 650 loyal fans who made the trip to Bucharest. Fans who have been disappointed time and time again by the national team lately. The reactions have not been positive for months.

Bucharest: a mirror for the players

It’s also about the players holding a mirror up to themselves, realizing that what was last shown was Knorz, and being able to pull themselves together. The last impression is the lasting one. It would take a win in the final to win the group. Ego is never unimportant for a footballer. And happy footballers with satisfied egos kick better.

Certainly: the Nati players would then return to the clubs. But the feeling that you made it right in extremis will remain. Until the next Nati meeting, which won’t take place until March 2024. And perhaps the momentum from Bucharest will continue until the European Championship. It doesn’t matter who the coach will be.

And last but not least, there is a lot at stake for coach Murat Yakin. To show everyone that he can still make the team. That the players don’t dance on his nose. That he can lead a team to success with smart coaching.

Eased circumstances?

Of course, this single match does not change the overall impression we had this campaign since Romania’s first match in Lucerne, which ended in a final fiasco after a great performance, finishing only 2-2 instead of 4-0. This impression is bad, Yakin’s track record is insufficient. However, it is not a game of fate as the big analysis in December will take into account all ten qualifiers, as Nati boss Pierluigi Tami has emphasized several times.

But despite the failing grade Yakin has to achieve, a victory in front of 50,000 fanatical fans celebrating European Championship qualifying could be an argument for extenuating circumstances. At least that.

Source : Blick