The King Returns to the Bench

The atmosphere in Tbilisi was thick with tension as Gheorghe Hagi stepped onto the touchline for his first match back in charge of the Romanian national team. The legend, now in his second stint (fifth overall) managing the tricolors, faced a spirited Georgia side in a friendly that promised fireworks and delivered drama. It wasn’t a statement of dominance, but it was a statement of survival.

Romania started with intent, controlling possession and pressing high. Early chances flickered—Ionuț Radu’s Coman missed a sitter after a keeper error, and Ianis Hagi saw his shot deflected away. But the hosts woke up. Georgians balanced the game, testing Romania’s defense with shots from Kociorașvili and Zivzivadze. The first half ended 0-0, a cagey affair where errors were punished only by sharp defensive reads, like Drăgușin’s crucial block.

A Goal, A Response, A Result

The second half began with chaos. A massive error by Romania’s goalkeeper, Aioani, allowed the ball to drop to Ghiorghi Kvilitaia, who calmly slotted Georgia ahead in the 46th minute. The crowd erupted. Was this the start of a nightmare for Hagi?

No. Romania responded with fire. In the 55th minute, Screciu intercepted a pass, whipped a perfect cross, and Louis Munteanu rose highest to head home. 1-1. The deadlock held. Georgia pushed for a winner, but Aioani stood firm, and late efforts went wide. Four debutants—Hindrich, Matei Ilie, Borza, David Matei—showed promise. Before kickoff, Georgia’s legend Guram Kașia played his 129th and final cap, a fitting farewell. Next up: Wales in Bucharest on June 6.