Romania vs. Greece World Cup 2014 Playoffs Second Leg; Live Stream, Score, Preview, Predictions, Schedule 3 p.m. EST
Romania and Greece will face off in the second leg of the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.
The Greeks managed a tremendous 3-1 win at home. Romania's lone away goal could be huge for the team, but it must overcome a Greek defense that has only conceded five goals in 11 World Cup qualifiers and looked tremendously effective in the first leg.
"If we manage to qualify, it will be extraordinary for Romanian football, and for myself," said Romania's coach Victor Piturca, according to Super Sport.
"It's our last chance and we must do everything possible to play better and win by two or more goals and fulfill our dream," added defender Razvan Rat.
The Greeks know that they have a terrific advantage, but will not overlook the fact that Romania is home and can quickly turn things around.
"Although we are ahead in the tie we still need to go to Romania with a focused mind-set as everything will be decided then; nothing is over yet," said Greece Coach Fernando Santos, according to Super Sport. "We are at halftime in the tie so there is still plenty of work to do and we'll have to show the same appetite and concentration in the second leg so we don't throw away what we have built on in Athens.
"While I will not forget that we have the advantage, we must not take too many risks," he added. "Our focus will be to keep a clean sheet because if we concede an early goal it will create problems for us."
Romania needs a 2-0 win to qualify. However, if Greece scores the opening goal, then the team would need a 3-1 win to force extra time and a 4-1 win to eliminate Greece. As aforementioned, Greece had only conceded four goals in its first 10 World Cup qualifiers before allowing one goal in the opening leg.
Prediction: Greece wins 1-0.
Start Time: Kickoff begins at 3 p.m. EST