Match report

Estonia Edges Out 10-Man Moldova 3–2 in World Cup Qualifier

Moldova

2–3

Estonia

Mar 25, 2025

Moldova

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Match

Mar 25, 2025 · FT

Estonia

Away

Estonia secured a vital 3–2 victory over Moldova in a World Cup Qualification Europe match that was heavily influenced by early red cards. Moldova's M. Cojocaru was sent off in the 5th minute, setting the stage for Estonia to take a commanding lead with goals from R. Peetson and R. Sappinen. Despite Moldova’s efforts, Estonia maintained their lead with a goal from M. Käit, though Moldova managed to close the gap with goals from I. Nicolaescu and M. Caimacov.

Key Facts

• Final Score: Moldova 2–3 Estonia
• M. Cojocaru (Moldova) was shown a red card in the 5th minute
• R. Peetson (Estonia) scored in the 19th minute
• R. Sappinen (Estonia) scored in the 30th minute
• I. Nicolaescu (Moldova) scored in the 67th minute
• M. Käit (Estonia) scored in the 70th minute
• M. Caimacov (Moldova) scored in the 90th minute
• K. Palumets (Estonia) was shown a second yellow card and a red card in the 48th minute

Lineups

Moldova

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

23 A. Kozhukhar
13 M. Cojocaru (D)
14 A. Craciun (D)
4 V. Baboglo (D)
2 O. Reabciuk (D)
8 N. Motpan (M)
22 V. Rata (M)
17 V. Postolachi (M)
11 M. Caimacov (M)
7 S. Bodisteanu (M)
9 I. Nicolaescu (F)

Substitutes

1 N. Cebotari
12 C. Avram
3 D. Puscas
5 V. Posmac
6 V. Bogaciuc
10 A. Boiciuc
15 V. Mudrac
16 V. Stina
18 T. Lungu
19 D. Dumbravanu
20 S. Platica
21 I. Revenco

Estonia

Starting XI

12 M. Igonen (G)
6 R. Peetson (D)
13 M. Paskotsi (D)
2 M. Kuusk (D)
18 M. Schjonning-Larsen (D)
10 K. Palumets (M)
11 M. Ainsalu (M)
9 I. Yakovlev
4 M. Kait (M)
23 V. Sinyavskiy (M)
15 R. Sappinen (F)

Substitutes

1 K. Hein
22 K. Vallner
3 J. Saliste
5 A. Tamm
7 R. Saarma
8 H. Anier
14 P. Kristal
16 J. Tamm
17 M. Miller
19 K. Hussar
20 M. Poom
21 D. Jepihhin

Timeline

5' Moldova Card · Red Card

M. Cojocaru

Professional foul last man
19' Estonia Goal · Normal Goal

R. Peetson
30' Estonia Goal · Normal Goal

R. Sappinen · Assist: K. Palumets
35' Estonia Card · Yellow Card

R. Peetson

Foul
44' Estonia Card · Yellow Card

K. Palumets

Foul
48' Estonia Card · Yellow Card

K. Palumets

Foul
48' Estonia Card · Red Card

K. Palumets

Foul
51' Moldova Card · Yellow Card

I. Nicolaescu

Foul
52' Estonia subst · Substitution 1

Off: R. Peetson · On: J. Saliste
63' Moldova Card · Yellow Card

Vadim Rață

Foul
66' Estonia subst · Substitution 2

Off: R. Sappinen · On: A. Tamm
67' Moldova Goal · Normal Goal

I. Nicolaescu
70' Estonia Goal · Normal Goal

M. Käit · Assist: I. Yakovlev
78' Moldova subst · Substitution 1

Off: V. Postolachi · On: V. Stînă
78' Moldova subst · Substitution 2

Off: Nichita Moțpan · On: S. Plătică
82' Estonia Card · Yellow Card

M. Käit

Foul
85' Moldova subst · Substitution 3

Off: S. Bodisteanu · On: A. Boiciuc
87' Estonia subst · Substitution 3

Off: I. Yakovlev · On: M. Miller
90'+2 Estonia Card · Yellow Card

M. Ainsalu

Foul
90' Moldova Goal · Normal Goal

M. Caimacov

Match Stats

Stat	Moldova	Estonia
Fouls	14	15
Pass Accuracy	75%	81%
Offsides	0	3
Red Cards	1	1
Total Shots	14	10
Corners	5	3
Total Passes	349	367
Yellow Cards	3	5
Blocked Shots	5	2
Shots on Target	6	7
xG	—	—
Shots off Target	3	1
Possession	50%	50%
Goals Prevented	—	—
Accurate Passes	262	296
Shots Inside Box	7	4
Saves	4	4
Shots Outside Box	7	6

Key Match Notes

▸ The early red card for M. Cojocaru in the 5th minute dramatically shifted the momentum towards Estonia, allowing them to dominate the game and take a 2–0 lead by the 30th minute.
▸ Despite being down a man, Moldova managed to stage a late comeback with two goals, but Estonia's earlier lead and strategic substitutions helped them secure the victory.