Moldova round-up: Dacia seal European place
Sunday, June 1, 2003
Article summary
FC Dacia Chisinau recorded an away win to book their place in European competition for the first time.
Article body
FC Dacia Chisinau booked their place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup with a 2-1 away victory over FC Politehnica Chisinau on the penultimate day of the Divizia Nationala season.
Japalau opener
With FC Sheriff Tiraspol already crowned champions and CSF Zimbru Chisinau and FC Nistru Otaci occupying the second and third spots, the only issue to be resolved at the weekend was the identity of the fourth-placed finisher. Dacia, making their debut in the Moldovan top flight, took the lead after just three minutes through Serghey Japalau's header.
Famous victory
Vladimir Japalau, Mihail Iavorschi and Vladimir Gluhenchi all missed good chances to double the visitors' lead but, despite Dacia's total dominance, Politehnica equalised five minutes before half-time thanks to a goal from Serghey Darii. However, Dacia were not to be denied and after captain Alexandr Golban was fouled in the penalty area six minutes from full time, the same player converted from the spot to seal a famous victory and a place in Europe next season.
Three penalties
Elsewhere, Zimbru overcame FC Agro Chisinau 2-1 in a game of three penalties. Zimbru's Vladimir Shishelov was successful from the spot, while team-mate Viorel Frunza and Agro's Ovic Galstean both missed their spot-kicks. Nistru were also victorious, beating FC Tiraspol 1-0 thanks to a sensational strike from Iulian Bursuc with ten minutes remaining.
