România U18 finishes strong at Four Nations Tournament with victory over Uzbekistan

România U18 has wrapped up the Four Nations Tournament in Portugal with a commendable victory against Uzbekistan, winning 1-0. This triumph was marked by a decisive goal from Robert Corduneanu in the 76th minute, showcasing the team's resilience and determination.

Under the guidance of 49-year-old coach Mircea Diaconescu, România U18 remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. They started off strong, defeating Turkey 2-0 in their opening match, followed by a spirited 2-2 draw with the host nation, Portugal.

The squad, consisting of players born from January 1, 2009 onwards, is gearing up for the U17 World Cup scheduled in Qatar from November 19 to December 13, 2026. This tournament served as the final preparation before they head into the global competition.

In the match against Uzbekistan, the starting lineup included notable players such as Yanis Croitor, Robert Corduneanu, and Daniel Motîntău, among others. Key substitutions were made in the second half, ensuring fresh legs contributed to the team's success.

The Romanian team will compete in Group K at the World Cup, facing Mexico on November 21, Venezuela on November 24, and Cameroon on November 27. This experience will be crucial as they represent Romania on an international stage.

The squad features a blend of talent from various clubs, with players like Tudor Coșa from Universitatea Cluj and Robert Corduneanu from Fiorentina, showcasing the depth of skill available in Romanian youth football. The efforts of this young team are a promising sign for the future of the sport in Romania.