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Romania
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Romania at Euro 2008
Romania- Ready to cause an upset
Romania may be in the toughest group at Euro2008, but they will be optimistic of building on their performances during the qualifiers. Their most notable result was a 1-0 defeat of the Netherlands, which will prove a massive boost ahead of their game against the Dutch on June 17. Victor Piturca, Romania’s 51-year-old coach, has an abundance of talent at his disposal, and he has succeeded in finding the perfect blend of defensive solidity and a creative attack.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Piturca has resurrected the Romanian national team. Romania have not played in a major tournament since Euro2000, when they lost to Italy at the quarter-final hurdle. Returning after such a long hiatus, the nation will definitely not lack any enthusiasm for the big show. The only problem is that they are in the ‘group of death’. No matter how much self-belief they have, getting past such redoubtable opposition as Italy and France will require considerable luck.
If Christian Chivu and Adrian Mutu, the two standout players, can come into the tournament on song, then Romania may be very awkward customers for Group C hopefuls.
How Romania qualified
Romania scored an impressive twenty-six goals during qualifying, considerably more than any other team in the group. They finished top of the group, three points ahead of the Netherlands.
How Romania play
Piturca often opts for a 5-3-2 formation. Dinamo Bucharest man Bogdan Lobont takes his place in goal while Inter’s Chivu, the captain, is the defence’s most prominent figure. In midfield, Nicolae Dica is Piturca’s most reliable performer, and Mutu and Ciprian Marica are the coach’s two preferred strikers. Against their illustrious Group C opponents, Romania will probably play a cagey brand of football. Romania certainly have the ability in attack to take the game to the likes of Italy, but their greatest strength during the qualifiers was a stubborn defence. Surely, the Netherlands, who failed to score against them in two qualifying games, will concur.
About the coach
Low-key and intelligent, Piturca has finally awakened Romanian football from its slumber. The former Steaua Bucharest striker is big on organization, and Romania’s disciplined performances during the qualifiers bear testament to his order.
Key players
Christian Chivu- He can play either as a central defender or as a left-back. Chivu’s versatility and leadership will be instrumental to Romania’s progress. The captain of the team, he is the key organizer of the defence.
Ciprian Marica- He scored five goals for Romania during qualification. Marica’s partnership with Chivu has paid handsome dividends.
Star player
Adrian Mutu- The 29-year-old forward is his country’s undisputed star player. His six-goal tally during qualifiers speaks for itself. Mutu’s pace, exceptional ball control, and versatility (he can also slot in an attacking midfield role) could see him be one of the stars of the tournament.
Verdict
Had Romania had a slightly easier group, then a quarter-final berth would be well within their grasp. They certainly have the quality to upset the order of Group C, but it is difficult to see them get more than three points. A first-round exit.
Article by Hasan Saiyid
Romania Euro 2008 News
- Football: Roma late show shocks Fulham, Celtic face Euro exit (AFP via Yahoo! News)
Fulham compromised their hopes of advancing in the Europa League on Thursday when Roma came from behind to win 2-1 in Italy, the English Premiership side ending the Group E contest with nine men.
- Football: Roma late show shocks Fulham, Celtic face Euro exit (Malaysian Mirror)
PARIS -Fulham compromised their hopes of advancing in the Europa League on Thursday when Roma came from behind to win 2-1 in Italy, the English Premiership side ending the Group E contest with nine men. Read more...
- Football: Roma late show shocks Fulham, Celtic face Euro exit (Channel NewsAsia)
PARIS: Fulham compromised their hopes of advancing in the Europa League on Thursday when Roma came from behind to win 2-1 in Italy, the English Premiership side ending the Group E contest with nine men, while Everton slumped 2-0 at home to Benfica.
- Live text - Wednesday football (BBC News)
Liverpool concede a late equaliser in Lyon to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread, as Rangers draw and Arsenal win, while West Ham snatch a dramatic win against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
- DEREK JOHNSTONE: I’ve got no fears Wilson can be a Euro ace (EveningTimes Online)
WALTER SMITH has a huge call to make tonight when he names his team to face Unirea in the Champions League.
- Nine O'Clock (Nine O'Clock)
Why would a Romanian vote once again for Traian Basescu, after five years of terrible disappointment? I am trying today to give a few answers.
- PRESS RELEASE: Lagardere: Lagardère SCA: Quarterly Information - Third Quarter of 2009 (Nasdaq)
Lagardère SCA (Paris:MMB) consolidated revenues for the nine months to end September 2009 totaled EUR5,820m, representing a fall of 3.7% on a reported basis and of 3.9% on a like-for-like basis.