Testimitanu ends Moldovan exile
Wednesday, February 26, 2003
Article summary
Ion Testimitanu is in the Moldova squad to face Israel after an international absence of two years.
Article body
Moldova coach Viktor Pasulko has named a 22-man squad for the friendly against Israel on 5 March.
Three new faces
New faces in the latest squad include FC Tiraspol goalkeeper Sergey Pascenco, FC Dacia Chisinau defender Cornel Popov and FC Nistru Otaci midfield player Andrei Matiura. After a long absence, Liviu Andriuta, Iulian Bursuc and Victor Comleonoc, also return to the national fold.
Testimitanu eyes return
Another unexpected inclusion is that of FC Sheriff Tiraspol veteran Ion Testimitanu, who quit international football two years ago after a disagreement with the national association.
Warm-up game
The game will act as a warm-up for Moldova's next UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier against Belarus on 29 March. Pasulko's side are currently fourth in Group 3 with no points from two games after losing against the Czech Republic and Austria. Israel have been banned from playing competitive matches at home by UEFA, but friendly fixtures come under the jurisdiction of FIFA.
Moldova squad
Bogdan, Hmaruc, Chirilov, Pascenco, Andriuta, Popov, Priganiuc, Testimitanu, Catinsus, Olexic, Boret, Comleonoc, Ivanov, Bursuc, Matiura, Cebotari, Pusca, Golban, Dadu, Patula, Frunza, Clescenco.
