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Come Fan with UsWednesday, August 12, 2026

Romania vs. Greece, 2014 World Cup qualifying: Preview and TV schedule

Greece’s offensive explosion in the first leg have them in the driver’s seat against Romania.

Vladimir Rys

The most amazing thing about Greece's 3-1 first leg victory over Romania was the sheer volume of goals that the Greeks managed to generate. For a team that only scored 12 goals in 10 group stage matches, the very idea of that team putting up three on anyone seemed highly unlikely.

Yet the Greeks did just that at home and now must simply finish the job in Romania to secure a place in Brazil for next summer's World Cup. While a two-goal deficit is hardly insurmountable, Victor Pițurcă's side must both prevent Greece from scoring any more and find a way to break down the Greek's rather stingy defense as there's every reason to believe that Fernando Santos will have his team park the bus and defend their advantage.

Romania's defense could get a boost with the possible return of Tottenham defender Vlad Chiriches who missed the first leg with a fractured nose. He's hoping to be able to play with a protective mask. First choice goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu could also make his return but midfielders Alexandru Bourceanu and Costin Lazar are both suspended.

Greece will be without Kostas Katsouranis who is suspended for yellow card accumulation.

Match Date/Time: 9:00 p.m. local, 2:00 p.m. ET

Venue: National Arena, Bucharest, Romania

Online: ESPN3 (U.S.)

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