The roar in Bucharest was not just noise; it was a statement. For the first time since Gheorghe Hagi returned to the helm, the Romanian national team tasted victory. A 2-1 triumph over Wales at Steaua Stadium was more than three points in a friendly; it was a spark. And according to striker Denis Drăguș, that spark is fueled by one thing: belief.

The Foundation of Faith

Drăguș did not mince words after the final whistle. He pointed to the manager's passion, the same fire that defined an era, as the catalyst for this new chapter. "Mr. Hagi has the same passion, the same desire," Drăguș told Prima TV. "It is not easy, but we must aspire to performance." The striker emphasized that confidence is not a luxury; it is the bedrock. "Everything starts from there, from confidence. Only then do we have something to build on."

The road to this moment had bumps. A 1-1 draw in Tbilisi against Georgia set the stage, but the win against Wales sealed the narrative. Goals from Florinel Coman in the 52nd minute and Adrian Rus in the 80th minute outlasted David Brooks' effort for the visitors. The scoreboard read 2-1, but the message was louder: the tricolors are ready to fight.

Real Battles Await

Friendlies are practice; now comes the test. The Nations League looms large on the horizon. Romania faces Sweden away on September 25, followed by Bosnia-Herzegovina at home on September 28. October brings Poland away on the 2nd and a return clash with Sweden in Bucharest on the 5th. These are not friendly encounters. These are hurdles.

Drăguș's message is clear: if the players believe they belong at every major tournament, they will. If they doubt, they fail. The foundation has been laid in the capital. Now, the construction begins. Can Hagi's squad turn this confidence into continental dominance? The next four matches will write the answer.