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Zimbru Stadium (Chișinău, Moldova). A thrilling FIFA World Cup qualification game between Moldova and Estonia, which ended with an important win for the Estonians, by the final score of 2-3.

2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group I. After their loss against Norway in the first group game, Moldova clearly wanted to fight back achieving a good result against Estonia – who also lost their opening game against Israel. As this qualification group became competitive by the draw (including Italy also in this ‘quintet’), collecting all the three points was essential for both sides.

Moldova, led by its national head coach Serghei Cleșcenco, started this clash in 4-2-3-1 formation. They had to adapt to the early red card, so various shapes were tried in practice through the encounter: 4-2-2-1 (4-2-3) and 3-1-4-1 in possession, and 4-4-1 out of possession. The set pieces (mainly taken by Mihail Caimacov) and the long throw-ins (Oleg Reabciuk and Nichita Moțpan) also served the team, to threaten the Estonian goal.

Estonia, under the guidance of its young national coach Jürgen Henn, also started the game in 4-2-3-1 shape. The team demonstrated confidence in dominating the match through ball possession and in creating opportunities, especially when Moldova was down to 10 men. Estonia also had to change its formation, when the number of the players on the pitch became equal (in the second half), so they continued and finished the match in 4-4-1 formation (both in and out of possession).

The first key event came up in the 19th minute, when Estonia‘s right-back Rasmus Peetson scored the first goal and brought his team in front, by picking up a ball bounced back off Moldova‘s goalkeeper Andriy Kozhukhar (0-1). About ten minutes later, Rauno Sappinen doubled Estonia’s lead with a goal scored with his left shoulder – assisted from a corner taken by Kevor Palumets (0-2). In the middle of the second half, Moldova regained some ‘hope’, as Ion Nicolaescu scored a consolation goal (1-2). Few minutes later, the Estonian team made the difference of the score two again, by the goal of team captain Mattias Käit (assisted by a low cross of right winger Ioan Yakovlev, 1-3). At the start of the extra time, Mihail Caimacov also found the net for Moldova, by his wonderful free-kick – in the last hit of the match (2-3).

Here the players who stood out in this match:

Mihail Caimacov (Moldova / NK Slaven Belupo), attacking midfielder born 1998.

Mihail’s performance was delighting to see; had a key role in his team’s offensive play, both in organizing it and in finishing. A fairly dynamic player who also demonstrated his effectiveness and dominance in the offensive 1v1 situations / attacking duels; he was a significant and continuous threat when he started to dribble. He was the main taker of Moldova’s corners and free-kicks, and scored a goal in the extra time, with a wonderful free-kick shot.

Kevor Palumets (Estonia / FK Železiarne Podbrezová), defensive midfielder born 2002.

Kevor, newly signed player for his Slovak club FK Železiarne Podbrezová, was the ‘engine’ of the Estonian national team midfield. He has great playmaking abilities which are mixed with excellent vision and creativity; demonstrated tenacity and good level of aggressiveness at the physical duels, as well as at performing tackles. The frequent scanning and communication were also his attributes; and his excellent positional play made him a key figure in stabilizing the midfield section.

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