<div>
<strong>Here are all of the details of where you can watch Moldova vs Italy on US television and via legal streaming:</strong>
</div><div>
<table class="table6">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="magenta" width="20%"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHO</strong></span></td>
<td width="70%">Moldova vs Italy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="green"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHAT</strong></span></td>
<td>UEFA World Cup Qualifiers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="sky"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHEN</strong></span></td>
<td>2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT • Thursday, November 13, 2025</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="red"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHERE</strong></span></td>
<td><em><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a></em>, Tubi, Amazon Prime Video and ViX</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="yellow"><span style="color: #e04403"><strong>STREAM</strong></span></td>
<td><strong><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WATCH NOW</a></strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div><div></div>



<h2>Match Overview</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/italy/">Italy</a>’s </strong>quest to return to the <strong>World Cup</strong> has become one of the most captivating narratives in the <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup-qualifiers/">UEFA qualifying</a></strong> campaign. With <strong>Norway </strong>holding a strong advantage in goal difference, the <em>Azzurri</em> know the race for first place won’t be easy, but their focus remains on sealing an automatic berth after securing second in the group.</p>



<p>Their next test brings them up against <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/moldova/">Moldova</a></strong>, a team already out of contention yet motivated to bounce back from a humiliating 11-1 loss last time out and finish their campaign with a statement against one of Europe’s powerhouses. Don’t miss this clash as Italy continues its pursuit of redemption on the road to the <strong>World Cup</strong>.</p>



<div>
<h2>More details on how to watch</h2>
With <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>, you can watch Moldova vs Italy and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
</div><div>
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
</div><div>
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
</div><div>
The <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo app</a> is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
</div><div>
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/channels/fubotv-soccer-schedule/">Fubo soccer schedule</a> to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
</div><div>

<h2>How to watch anywhere with VPN</h2>

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as <a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=93006&amp;url_id=902" target="blank" rel="noopener">NordVPN</a>, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/vpn-soccer/">guide to the best VPNs</a> for streaming soccer.

</div>
<div>
<h2>Free resources available to you</h2>
Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ultimate-soccer-tv-streaming-guide/">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
</div><div>
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/">Soccer TV Schedules App</a> which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple iOS devices</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android devices</a>).
</div><div></div>


How to watch Moldova vs Italy match in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

How to watch Moldova vs Italy match in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers - World Soccer Talk

<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/italy/">Italy</a> </strong>looks to bounce back and reassert its dominance as it takes on a reeling Moldova squad that’s coming off two straight defeats. The <em>Azzurri</em>, reeling from a humbling 3-0 loss to <strong>Norway</strong>, have plenty to prove—especially on the defensive end.</p>



<p>With <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/moldova/">Moldova</a> </strong>battling its own slump, this matchup offers a prime opportunity for Italy to reset the tone of its qualifying journey. Don’t miss what could be a statement performance—tune in and catch all the action live.</p>



<div>
<strong>Here are all of the details of where you can watch Italy vs Moldova on US television and via legal streaming:</strong>
</div><div>
<table class="table6">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="magenta" width="20%"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHO</strong></span></td>
<td width="70%">Italy vs Moldova</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="green"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHAT</strong></span></td>
<td>UEFA World Cup Qualifiers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="sky"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHEN</strong></span></td>
<td>2:45pm ET / 11:45am PT • Monday, June 9, 2025</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="red"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHERE</strong></span></td>
<td>FS2, <em><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a></em>, <em><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DirecTV Stream</a></em>, and ViX</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="yellow"><span style="color: #e04403"><strong>FREE TRIAL</strong></span></td>
<td><strong><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WATCH NOW</a></strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div>
<h2>More details of how to watch</h2>

With <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>, you can watch Italy vs Moldova and tons more games with a 7-day trial. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
</div><div>
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC (in select cities), CNBC, USA, FOX (in select cities), FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
</div><div>
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
</div><div>
The <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a> app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One.
</div><div>
If you’re planning to follow more games on this platform, you can check out the full <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/channels/fubotv-soccer-schedule/">Fubo soccer schedule</a> to stay up to date with upcoming matches available via the service.
</div><div>
<strong>Here are the steps to take to watch the game with your free Fubo trial:</strong>
</div><div>
<strong>1. Click on this link for the <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo 7-day trial</a>.</strong>
</div><div>
<strong>2. Click on the red ‘Start your free trial’ button (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223328" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/16070241/Fubo1-660x310.webp" alt="" width="660"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>3. Click the “Next” button on the the next page. They you’ll enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223329" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/16070240/Fubo2-660x310.webp" alt="" width="660"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>4. During the sign-up process, you’ll select your plan level and enter billing info – you won’t be charged until the 7-day trial is over (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223330" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/16070239/Fubo3-660x310.webp" alt="" width="660"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>5. After signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the Fubo main screen (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223330" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/16070238/Fubo4-660x310.webp" alt="" width="660"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>6. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings which include your game (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223331" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/16070237/Fubo5-660x310.webp" alt="" width="660"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>7. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223332" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/01/16070235/Fubo6-660x310.webp" alt="" width="660"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<h2>How to watch anywhere with VPN</h2>

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as <a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=93006&amp;url_id=902" target="blank" rel="noopener">NordVPN</a>, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/vpn-soccer/">guide to the best VPNs</a> for streaming soccer.

</div>
<div>
<h2>Free resources available to you</h2>
World Soccer Talk is the number one destination in the United States for soccer television and streaming information. We recommend that you bookmark our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/upcoming-matches/">soccer games on TV today</a> page as well as subscribing to our <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/email-newsletter/">free daily email newsletter</a> that includes TV schedules and the latest soccer news and opinion from around the world.
</div><div>
Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ultimate-soccer-tv-streaming-guide/">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
</div><div>
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/">Soccer TV Schedules App</a> which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple iOS devices</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android devices</a>).
</div>


How to watch Italy vs Moldova in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

How to watch Italy vs Moldova in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers - World Soccer Talk

<p><strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/erling-haaland/">Erling Haaland</a></strong> and <strong>Norway </strong>are ready for their debut in the <strong>UEFA <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup-qualifiers/">World Cup Qualifiers</a></strong>, and U.S. fans won’t want to miss it. <strong><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/norway/">Norway</a> </strong>are aiming for a strong campaign as they push to return to their first major tournament since France 1998.</p>



<p>Their first challenge comes against <strong>Moldova</strong>, a team that has made notable strides in recent years but enters this matchup as the clear underdog. However, <strong>Moldova </strong>have the potential to surprise, setting the stage for an intriguing contest. Here’s how to watch the action unfold from the United States.</p>



<div>
<strong>Here are all of the details of where you can watch Moldova vs Norway on US television and via legal streaming:</strong>
</div><div>
<table class="table6">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td id="magenta" width="20%"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHO</strong></span></td>
<td width="70%">Moldova vs Norway</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="green"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHAT</strong></span></td>
<td>UEFA World Cup Qualifiers</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="sky"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHEN</strong></span></td>
<td>1:00pm ET / 10:00am PT • Saturday, March 22, 2025</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="red"><span style="color: #ffffff"><strong>WHERE</strong></span></td>
<td>FS2, ViX, <em><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a></em>, <em><a href="https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-5531305-15177288" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">DirecTV Stream</a></em></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td id="yellow"><span style="color: #e04403"><strong>FREE TRIAL</strong></span></td>
<td><strong><a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">WATCH NOW</a></strong></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
<div>
<h2>More details on how to watch</h2>
With <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a>, you can watch Moldova vs Norway and tons more games. With the legal streaming service, you can watch the game on your computer, smartphone, tablet, Roku, Apple TV or hook it up to your TV with Google Chromecast.
</div><div>
Now with Fubo, you can stream USA Network, ESPN, ESPN2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, FS1, FS2, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español, beIN SPORTS Connect, beIN SPORTS XTRA, NBC, CNBC, USA, FOX, FOX Soccer Plus, FOX Deportes, Telemundo, Universo and Galavision.
</div><div>
Plus Fubo, the legal streaming service, also streams Liga MX, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, MLS, UEFA Champions League (in Spanish), Europa League (in Spanish), Primeira Liga, Ligue Un, World Cup qualifiers, NWSL, select USMNT games, select USWNT games, select Mexico games, select England games and more.
</div><div>
The <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo</a> app is available for Windows PC, Mac, Apple iPhones, Android phones, Amazon Fire TV, Android Mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Hisense TVs, iOS devices, LG TVs, Samsung Smart TVs, Vizio Smartcast TVs and Xbox One

</div><div>

<strong>Here are the steps to take to watch with your free Fubo trial:</strong>
</div><div>
<strong>1. Click on this link for the <a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow">Fubo 7-day trial</a>.</strong>
</div><div>
<strong>2. Click on the red ‘Start for free’ button (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223328" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-lp-660x324.webp" alt="" width="660" height="324" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>3. On the login page, enter your e-mail address to sign up (or you can use your Facebook or Google logins) (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223329" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-login-page-660x276.webp" alt="" width="660" height="276" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>4. After entering your login details and signing up for the free trial, you’ll be taken to the Fubo main screen (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223330" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-main-screen-660x338.webp" alt="" width="660" height="338" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>5. From here, you can either scroll down the page to see the TV listings (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223331" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-tv-listings-660x355.webp" alt="" width="660" height="355" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<strong>6. Or you can click on the ‘Guide’ button at the top to see all of the channels available to you (see screengrab below)</strong>

<a href="http://www.fubo.tv/lp/soccer/?irmp=330866&amp;irad=356358" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-223332" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/2017/10/fubo-tv-guide-660x312.webp" alt="" width="660" height="312" sizes="(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px"></figure></div></a>
</div><div>
<h2>How to watch anywhere with VPN</h2>

If you’re abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as <a href="https://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=93006&amp;url_id=902" target="blank" rel="noopener">NordVPN</a>, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out World Soccer Talk’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/vpn-soccer/">guide to the best VPNs</a> for streaming soccer.

</div>
<div>
<h2>Free resources available to you</h2>
Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/ultimate-soccer-tv-streaming-guide/">download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide</a>, which features details on where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV and streaming.
</div><div>
To find out when soccer games are on, download the free <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2020/12/26/soccer-tv-schedules-app-making-it-easier-to-watch-soccer-games-on-tv/">Soccer TV Schedules App</a> which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/soccer-tv-schedules/id1543713555" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apple iOS devices</a> and <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.worldsoccertalk.SoccerTV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Android devices</a>).
</div><div>
</div>

How to watch Moldova vs Norway in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

How to watch Moldova vs Norway in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers - World Soccer Talk

<p><a href="http://www.bundesligatalk.com/uefa-cup-draw-hertha-berlin-to-face-fc-nistru-otaci/18/uefa-cup-logo/" rel="attachment wp-att-20" title="UEFA Cup logo"><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/8/files/2008/07/uefa-cup-logo.gif" alt="UEFA Cup logo" align="left" hspace="15" vspace="15"></figure></div></a>Only one German club was involved in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round draw as Hertha Berlin drew FC Nistru Otaci.  Last year Hamburg, this year Hertha… that’s right, we’re off to Moldova again!  Last year Hamburg won 5-1 on aggregate, and nothing less than a win is expected of Hertha Berlin either.  The team may have been lucky to receive a Fairplay spot in the UEFA Cup, but should advance easily to the second round.  In anticipation of July’s tie, we therefore bring you a reasonably exhaustive overview of the Moldovan opposition, FC Nistru Otaci.</p>
<p><strong>Who are they?</strong> FC Nistru Otaci, founded in 1953. <a href="http://www.bundesligatalk.com/uefa-cup-draw-hertha-berlin-to-face-fc-nistru-otaci/18/fc-nistru-otaci-logo/" rel="attachment wp-att-19" title="FC Nistru Otaci logo"><div><figure class="external-image"><img src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/8/files/2008/07/nistru-new_s.gif" alt="FC Nistru Otaci logo" align="right" hspace="15" vspace="15"></figure></div></a></p>
<p><strong>How did they get here?</strong> 3rd in the Moldovan National Division.</p>
<p><strong>Where do they play?</strong> Stadionul Calarasauca, a tiny 3000-seat stadium (note: the Hamburg fixture will take place at Stadionul Zimbru in the capital, Chisinau).  It would, no doubt, fit comfortably inside the underground parking garages of Berlin’s Olympiastadion.  Nevertheless, its capacity is slightly more than 1/3rd Otaci’s population.  The city itself is located in the extreme northeast of Moldova, famous for its wine (maybe) and, no joke, sharing a name with a Turkish skin care company.  Otaci is situated along the banks of the Danube across from Ukraine (which no doubt explains the presence of so many Ukrainians in the squad).</p>
<p><strong>Domestic Pedigree:</strong> 2005 saw FC Nistru lift the Modolvan Cup after defeating FC Dacia 1-0, the club’s only success to date.  Incredibly, however, FC Nistru have been losing finalists eight (8!) times, including two defeats in extra time and three more in penalty shootouts.  The team’s “almost, but not quite” form is mirrored in its league performances.  It has been unable to break the duopoly of FC Zimbru Chisinau and FC Sheriff Tiraspol atop the table, who between them have won 16 of the 17 championships contested since 1992 (Constructorul Chisinau being the exception in 1996-97).</p>
<p><strong>European Glory: </strong>In short, none.  If forced to choose, well, they were unlucky to go out to Honved on penalties in last year’s UEFA Cup first qualifying round.  Honved was the team of  <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferenc_Pusk%C3%A1s" target="_blank" title="Ferenc Puskás Wiki">Puskás</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S%C3%A1ndor_Kocsis" title="Sándor Kocsis Wiki">Kocsis</a>, et al. who comprised the bulk of the Hungary’s Magical Magyars in the early 1950s.  So European glory by distant, distant ridiculously tenuous association.</p>
<p><strong>Well, that’s interesting:</strong>  After Moldovans and Ukranians you might be surprised to learn that Cameroonians (all two of them) make up the team’s third largest contingent.  I haven’t the slightest idea why.</p>
<p><strong>Prediction:</strong> Hertha Berlin will settle for a draw away and play for the win at home, leading to a comfortable (and conservatively estimated) 3-1 aggregate victory.</p>


UEFA Cup Draw: Hertha Berlin to face FC Nistru Otaci

UEFA Cup Draw: Hertha Berlin to face FC Nistru Otaci - World Soccer Talk

<p>The 45th season of the Bundesliga has come to an end with comparatively little drama or theatrics.   Bayern all but guaranteed itself the title with a busy summer in the transfer market, spending 70 million Euros on Luca Toni (the league’s top scorer), Franck Ribery (world class playmaker) and the rest.  While this investment was able to secure first place in Germany, a return to Champions League action and a domestic cup, it could not secure the treble.  Two (lucky) draws against a lower table Spanish side Getafe and an aggregate 2-5 drubbing  by the Russian champions Zenit St. Petersburg did remove some of the season’s luster.  But ultimately with their 20th Bundesliga title in hand this year can be seen as a return to form for Bayern and their fans.</p>
<p>The names of the other squads returning to Europe has a familiar ring to them:</p>
<p>Both Bremen and Schalke return to the Champions League with Bremen automatically qualifying this year and Schalke going into the third qualifying round.</p>
<p>Hamburg, last year’s Intertoto Cup “winner”,  enters the Uefa Cup proper joined by a Wolfsburg team who in 2006-07 had finished 15th, the last safe spot above the relegation zone, and Dortmund who had an uninspiring year but were runners-up in the DFB Cup.</p>
<p>Hertha Berlin are fortunate to be in Europe this year, being the lucky recipients of a Fair Play UEFA Cup first round qualifying place along with Manchester City and Denmark’s FC Nordsjælland.</p>
<p>Finally Stuttgart, the ex-reigning champs, have the pleasure of playing in the Intertoto Cup’s third round where, if they’re as lucky as Hamburg was last year, they’ll get to play a team from Moldova.  The Intertoto Cup is slated to be abolished in 2009, so if Stuttgart (or any other German club) still has designs on European silverware the time is running out.</p>
<p>Bayer Leverkusen and Nürnberg both failed to emulate last year’s success.  Leverkusen just missed out  on a spot in Europe with their 7th place finish.  Nürnberg took matters one step further by not only avoiding Europe but the 1. Bundesliga as well, choosing relegation instead.  Being relegated as reigning DFB Cup holders stands proudly alongside the club’s unique achievement of winning the league one year (1968) and being relegated the next.</p>
<p>Joining Nürnberg are Hansa Rostock and MSV Duisburg, two squads who gained promotion only the year before.  Karlsruhe, comfortable winners of the 2. Bundesliga, finished a respectable 11th in the table.</p>
<p>The 1. Bundesliga welcomes in their place two old faces: five-time champions Borussia Mönchengladbach and three-time champions FC Köln, and one very new one: 1899 Hoffenheim.  Hoffenheim is only two years removed from playing in Regionalliga Süd, one of the various third tier leagues (soon to be replaced by a nation-wide 3.  Liga).  It is difficult to imagine them surviving beyond their inaugural season in the highest division, but they are sure to gain numerous fans from around the football-starved Heidelberg area in southwestern Germany.</p>
<p>As for the other clubs?  Hannover, Frankfurt, Bochum, Cottbus and Bielefeld did just enough to stay within the safe band of clubs between spots 7 and 15 on the table to avoid mention.  Sure, Cottbus and Bielefeld flirted continually with relegation throughout the season, but did just enough in the end.  The rest managed to be solid, anonymous mid-table clubs.  Consistent adequacy may not be glamorous, but it is reassuring.</p>


Season Finale

Season Finale - World Soccer Talk

Latest news from Moldova. Find out about all the news related to Moldova on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Moldova"

Watch on US TV

How to watch Moldova vs Italy match in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

Watch on US TV

How to watch Italy vs Moldova in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

Watch on US TV

How to watch Moldova vs Norway in the USA: Live Stream and TV for UEFA World Cup Qualifiers

News

UEFA Cup Draw: Hertha Berlin to face FC Nistru Otaci

News

Season Finale