Media Kampung – 29 Maret 2026 | Romania’s 80‑year‑old coach Mircea Lucescu was rushed to hospital on Sunday after collapsing during a team meeting following the nation’s 1‑0 loss to Turkey in the World Cup play‑off semi‑final.
Medical staff attended him on the training ground and transferred him by ambulance, where he later reported feeling stable and awaiting further examinations.
Lucescu, who has managed clubs such as Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan and Galatasaray, told Romanian outlet GSP that he was “okay now” and would undergo additional tests.
The Turkish side secured the victory through a second‑half strike by Brighton forward Ferdi Kadioglu, a goal that sent Turkey to the play‑off final against Kosovo.
Romania’s World Cup hopes ended after the narrow defeat, marking the first time the country has missed the tournament since France 1998.
Lucescu, a former Romanian international who captained his nation at the 1970 World Cup, joked with doctors in the ambulance, saying, “You were fast. You could be good strikers!”
He had been preparing his squad for an upcoming friendly against Slovakia when the incident occurred, and the team’s medical crew immediately assisted him.
Despite his age and recent health issues, Lucescu reaffirmed his commitment to the national team, stating he would not abandon his duties “like a coward”.
In a separate development, Turkish national team midfielder Zeki Celik was confirmed fit after missing the match against Romania due to a brief medical check.
According to Turkish sports daily Fanatik, Celik’s test results were negative for any injury, and he experienced only minor discomfort.
National coach Vincenzo Montella confirmed that Celik will join the squad for the upcoming clash with Kosovo, a decisive game for World Cup qualification.
Celik’s fitness also reassures his club side Roma, which anticipates his return for the Serie A encounter with Inter Milan later in the week.
Roma’s medical department reported that Celik’s examinations showed no muscle damage, allowing him to travel back to Trigoria after the international break.
Inter Milan’s coach Simone Inzaghi has expressed interest in monitoring Celik’s form, given the midfielder’s potential impact in the upcoming derby.
The Turkish Football Federation praised the quick medical response that ensured both Lucescu’s safety and Celik’s clearance.
Meanwhile, Romanian fans reacted with concern on social media, sending well‑wishes to Lucescu and urging the federation to prioritize his health.
Romania’s football association released a brief statement confirming Lucescu’s stable condition and the continuation of medical monitoring.
The play‑off semi‑final was held in Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium, where Turkey’s fans celebrated the decisive goal amid a tense atmosphere.
Lucescu’s long‑standing career, spanning six decades and 14 clubs across Europe, includes a UEFA Cup triumph with Shakhtar in 2009.
His second stint as Romania’s manager began in 2023, aiming to restore the nation’s presence on the world stage.
As the World Cup qualification process advances, both Turkey and Romania will look to regroup, with Turkey preparing for the final against Kosovo and Romania focusing on rebuilding under Lucescu’s guidance.
The incident highlights the physical demands placed on veteran coaches and underscores the importance of comprehensive medical support during high‑pressure tournaments.
Both national teams remain committed to their World Cup ambitions, hoping to secure a place in the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Artikel ini dipublikasikan oleh Media Kampung.
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