Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the World Cup qualifying match.
Romania have already lost to their main rivals for FIFA World Cup places. If they slip again against Cyprus, who have little to play for, their FIFA World Cup hopes will be all but over.
Cyprus
Cyprus sit second-bottom in the group, but the schedule has fallen such that by Matchday 6 they will already have played three of their four away fixtures. Those trips included the entire top three — Bosnia and Herzegovina (1:2), Romania (0:2) and Austria (0:1). Against the latter, Cyprus actually outshot Austria 16 (5) to 10 (3) in total shots (on target), and hit the woodwork once. At home they have faced only San Marino so far (2:0).
Romania
The most recent high-calibre visitors to the island were Romania. Back on Matchday 3 they beat Cyprus (3:0), and they were dominant in their UEFA Nations League group, albeit in League C. This qualifying campaign is tougher. Moreover, last Friday in a friendly Romania lost 0:3 at home to Canada, who struggled at the last FIFA World Cup.
Cyprus vs Romania Prediction
This time Romania are unlikely to record a heavy win. An away win is plausible, but we expect Cyprus to avoid anything more than a one-goal defeat.
