Romania Vs Canada Player Ratings: Ali Ahmed Rated 9.5/10 as Canada Dominates in a 3-0 Victory

Canada delivered a footballing lesson to Romania at the Arena Naţionala Stadium , securing a dominant 3-0 victory in this Friendly International fixture which was acrcuial match keeping in mind the upcoming World Cup 2026. The result was never in doubt once the visitors found their rhythm after few minutes in the game. They played with an intensity and quality that Romania simply could not match throughout the game and eventually lost ot by the margin of 3 goals.

The Canadian striker Jonathan David opened the scoring with a well-placed header just 11 minutes into the friendly fixture, setting the tone for what was about to come for the hosts. Before Romania could even regroup, Ali Ahmed the tar player of our match, doubled the lead in the 22nd minute. This match was effectively over as a contest by halftime.

The second half saw no respite for the home side as Canada didnt rest and went on to dominate the opponent. Despite a few half-chances, Romania looked disjointed and frustrated. Canada remained in complete control, and Niko Sigur put the final nail in the coffin with a third goal in the 77th minute, capping a miserable night for the hosts and a brilliant one for J. Marsch's men.

Here are the Romania Vs Canada Player Ratings

Romania Player Ratings vs Canada

Here are Romania Player Ratings vs Canada

Goalkeeper

Horațiu Moldovan - 5.0: What stood out to us was his mix of good saves and a critical error. He made five stops, some of them impressive, which prevented an even bigger defeat. However his error leading to a goal was a backbreaker. Conceding three goals is never a good look for a keeper. A very tough night at the office for him.

Defenders

Andrei Rațiu - 5.5: We noticed he struggled to contain Canada's rampant attackers. He was part of a defensive unit that was constantly under pressure and looked porous. He lost more duels than he won and offered little support in attack. He was eventually substituted after a difficult 85 minutes.

Virgil Ghiță - 6.0: He was probably the best of a bad bunch at the back. He had a solid passing game and won his aerial battles. However, he was still on the pitch as his team conceded three goals. He couldn't organize the defense to stop the Canadian wave. It was an overwhelming experience for the entire backline.

Andrei Burcă - 5.5: Substituted after an hour having been on the field for the first two goals. He didn't make any glaring individual errors but was part of a defense that was completely outplayed. From our perspective he looked a step off the pace. His replacement didn't fare much better.

Nicușor Bancu - 5.5: Much like his defensive partners, he was largely ineffective. He was taken off around the 61st minute after failing to make any significant impact on the game. Canada's attackers had their way down his flank too often.

Midfielders

Marius Marin - 6.0: He showed fight, winning six duels in the middle of the park. But that was about it. He was often bypassed by Canada's quick passing and committed a few needless fouls. He tried to be a physical presence but was outclassed technically.

Răzvan Marin - 6.0: He tried to get his team going with some decent passes and a few attempts from distance. However, he lost the ball far too often, being dispossessed five times. He was fighting a losing battle against the superior Canadian midfield.

Nicolae Stanciu - 6.5: The captain showed moments of quality. He was unlucky to hit the woodwork and tried to create chances. But his frustration was evident, leading to a yellow card before he was substituted. He couldn't lift a team that was sinking fast.

Forwards

Alexandru Dobre - 6.5: One of the few Romanian players who can hold his head relatively high. He looked lively and created a couple of chances for his teammates. He was willing to take players on, but his efforts were ultimately in vain as the attack lacked any real punch.

Denis Drăguș - 5.5: A very frustrating evening for the striker. He was completely isolated and starved of service. He lost an incredible nine duels which shows how physically dominated he was. He worked hard but had absolutely nothing to show for it.

Dennis Man - 5.0: We were so disappointed with his performance. He was anonymous for large parts of the game. Losing possession 16 times is simply not good enough at this level. He offered no threat and was a liability on the ball.

Substitutes

Alexandru Chipciu - 6.0: Came on but couldn't change the flow of the game.

Mihai Popescu - 6.0: Slotted into a defense that was already beaten.

Florin Tanase - 5.5: Got a yellow card and didn't add much.

David Miculescu - 6.0: Had a missed header opportunity late on.

Alexandru Mitrita - 6.0: Tried to create from a set piece but to no avail.

Deian Sorescu - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Manager

M. Lucescu - 4.5: His team was completely outplayed from start to finish. The tactical setup was all wrong, leaving his defense exposed and his attack isolated. He failed to make any adjustments that could alter the course of the match. A truly forgettable performance from his side.

Canada Player Ratings vs Romania

Here are Canada Player Ratings vs Romania

Goalkeeper

Maxime Crépeau - 7.0: It was a quiet night for the Canadian keeper but he did everything required of him. He made two comfortable saves and commanded his box with confidence. A clean sheet and a stress-free evening are all a goalkeeper can ask for.

Defenders

Richie Laryea - 8.0: A powerhouse performance at the back. What stood out to us was his dueling ability; he won 10 of them. He was tenacious in the tackle, winning the ball back four times. A complete defensive display that shut down Romania's right side.

Derek Cornelius - 7.5: Rock-solid at the heart of the defense. He was dominant in the air and read the game superbly making three interceptions. The yellow card was a minor blip in an otherwise commanding performance. He gave the Romanian forwards no room to breathe.

Luc De Fougerolles - 7.0: A very tidy performance before being subbed. He was calm and composed on the ball, boasting a 91% pass accuracy. He won his tackles and contributed to a formidable defensive effort. The booking was his only misstep.

Niko Sigur - 8.5: A fantastic display capped off with a goal. Defensively he was immense, with four interceptions highlighting his superb anticipation. To then get forward and score showed his quality and engine. He barely put a foot wrong all game.

Midfielders

Stephen Eustaquio - 8.0: The captain was the orchestrator in midfield. From our perspective, he controlled the entire pace of the game. He created three key passes and was always looking for a forward option. A masterful performance from the heart of the team.

Ismaël Koné - 7.0: An all-action display. He provided creativity with two key passes and was a disruptive force defensively. His energy was infectious, though it did lead to a yellow card. He was a key part of Canada's midfield dominance before his substitution.

Tajon Buchanan - 7.5: He was a nightmare for the Romanian defense. His direct running and successful dribbles caused constant problems. He always looked to be positive and drive his team forward. A really exciting player to watch when he's in this form.

Ali Ahmed - 9.5: Simply sensational. The man of the match by a country mile. He scored a goal, provided an assist, created four chances, and won 10 duels. It was a complete performance that combined skill, energy and end product. We were blown away by his contribution, he was everywhere.

Forwards

T. Oluwaseyi - 7.5: A great shift up top, rewarded with an assist. His link-up play was excellent, and he worked tirelessly for the team. He may not have scored, but his contribution was vital to the team's fluid attacking play. A very unselfish performance.

Jonathan David - 8.0: He set the team on their way with a clinical header. His movement off the ball was intelligent, constantly pulling defenders out of position. He led the line brilliantly before getting a well-deserved rest. A classic striker's performance.

Substitutes

Jayden Nelson - 6.5: Came on for the brilliant Ahmed and kept the pressure on.

Nathan Saliba - 6.5: Filled in well in midfield, ensuring there was no drop in intensity.

Promise David - 6.5: Forced a good save late in the game.

Junior Hoilett - 6.5: Looked sharp and also tested the keeper.

Zorhan Bassong - N/A: Came on late.

Joel Waterman - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Manager

J. Marsch - 8.5: He masterminded a perfect away performance. His team was tactically superior, well-organized, and ruthless in front of goal. The high-energy pressing system worked wonders, forcing Romania into countless errors. A huge credit to him for this dominant victory.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Ali Ahmed