
The sports news flow of Thursday brought to the forefront a series of notable events and developments, highlighting an intense dynamic in both domestic and international sports. The top sports information was dominated by matches from the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, last-minute transfers from this "mercato", and controversial statements that have the power to stir up emotions among supporters. In parallel, with the same intensity, were the tennis updates, where the Grand Slam tournament at the US Open reached the semifinal stage.
Domestic Football
Vladislav Blănuță: Vladislav Blănuță sparked controversy just a day after signing his contract with Dinamo Kiev. The player was criticized by the team's fans who accused him of pro-Russian opinions on his social media accounts. The club's management, together with the player, issued a statement trying to calm the supporters.
FCSB: FCSB was sanctioned by UEFA after the incidents during the match against Aberdeen and will have to close the first ring of the stands for the match against Young Boys Bern.
Dorin Goian: Dorin Goian still considers FCSB a favorite for the title, even though the start of the season in the Superliga finds them in a relegation playoff position. In the opinion of the former defender of Romania, the champions have the power to bounce back and compete for the championship this season as well.
Gigi Becali: Gigi Becali regrets not having transferred Alex Dobre, currently a player for Rapid: "He is a footballer! He has speed and strength." Dobre (27 years old) joined Rapid in October 2024, as a free agent, after parting ways with Famalicao.
International Football
2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Germany was defeated in Bratislava by Slovakia, with a score of 2-0 in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Mircea Lucescu/Ionuț Radu: Coach Mircea Lucescu is convinced that he needs to have a discussion with Ionuț Radu, after learning that the goalkeeper would only honor the call-up to the National Team if he is used as a starter.
Adrian Mutu: Adrian Mutu believes that Mircea Lucescu made a mistake by not calling up Cătălin Cîrjan for the friendly match that Romania will play against Canada.
Romania/Canada: Romania will face Canada on Friday in Bucharest, in a friendly match. Coach Jesse Marsch spoke about the upcoming match, about Bucharest, and expressed surprise at the age of his counterpart, Mircea Lucescu, whom he said needs a lot of energy to coach at 80 years old.
Transfers
Ianis Hagi: Ianis Hagi is officially the new player of the Turkish team Alanyaspor. The player was presented at a press conference and made his first statements in the jersey of his new team.
Tennis
US Open/ Iga Swiatek: Iga Swiatek unexpectedly exited the US Open tournament in the quarterfinals, and at the press conference after her lost match against Amanda Anisimova, she snapped at a journalist, telling him that she needs "a mental break".
US Open/Jannik Sinner: Jannik Sinner easily qualified for the semifinals at the US Open. The Italian qualified after defeating his compatriot Lorenzo Musetti in three sets, with scores of 6-1, 6-4, 6-2.
Top Athletes and Teams
- Germany/Slovakia
- FCSB/Gigi Becali
- US Open/Jannik Sinner
- Ianis Hagi
- Mircea Lucescu/Romania