Moldova’s best-ever results: tormenting the Italians, the Dutch and the Poles

The Czech national team has had one of the most surprising losses in recent years. They drew 0:0 against Moldova, the fourth worst team in Europe according to FIFA rankings. For the football midget, this is one of the most valuable results in history, which other successful matches do fans remember since the creation of the independent state (1991)?

Russia vs. Moldova 1::1 (2014)

The greatest achievement in modern history. After the World Cup in Brazil, the Russians were the favourites in the Euro qualifiers. However, Moldova held the opponents to a 1: 1 draw on the opponents’ soil, with the outsider losing only 4: 5 on shots on target.

Russia’s line-up included personalities like Igor Akinfeev and Aleksandar Kerzhakov, so no B team.

Montenegro vs. Moldova 2::5 (2013)

Probably the most valuable of the wins. The Montenegrins already had the top scorer Stefan Jovetic, who incidentally scored both of the home team’s goals. Overall, Moldova qualified for the 2014 World Cup with 11 points.

Moldova vs. Poland 1::1 (2013)

And the 11 points were thanks to a home draw with the Poles. Jakub Blaszczykowski’s goal in the seventh minute did not decide the match and the game was still level in the first half. Robert Lewandowski was the favourite, with Piotr Zielinski coming off the bench.

Italy vs. Moldova (2::1) (2005)

Losing by a goal to Italy counts. Moreover, the game was scoreless until the 71st minute and Moldova equalised again in the 76th minute. The key shot came in the 86th minute. The Squadra Azzura line-up featured Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluca Zambrotta.

Moldova also fought bravely against the Italians a year ago at home. They lost 0:1 at the start of the 2006 World Cup qualification, with del Piero making the decision. Gianligui Buffon jumped between the three posts, Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso operated in the midfield.

Moldova vs. Netherlands (1::2) (2003)

In the Euro 2004 qualifiers, the Moldovans were leading until the 37th minute against the Dutch. Then Ruud van Nisterlooy equalised, yet the minnows held the tie until the 84th minute. Meanwhile, Patrick Kluivert, Clarence Seedorf and Edgar Davids were running around the pitch.

Source: Transfermarkt