In roughly 3 weeks we will play against Hungary in the one of the two remaining key matches for the WC play-off spot.
In any case, while I don't think any of the two teams can actually threaten for a WC spot, we should strive to beat one of our biggest rivals, one who, traditionally has owned us, although in the past 30 years they have done nothing much against us.
Hungary at this point is, as Piturca's Romania, a middle strength team that usually misses every qualification to a final tournament. Romania at this point is a team that, while having great potential, is held back to the absolutely amateur level of the federation and the "selectioner"--one who can neither choose players nor train them properly. As in most other things, Romania could do great things--but we never even try.
In any case, we can expect call-ups ranging from average to very bad... With lots of potentially key players like Mutu, Sapunaru missing from the squad. Even talents such as Maxim are not guaranteed a starting spot... Certainly not in their favorite position. While average players like Dragos Grigore always get called-up, even if they never play.
Predicted starting line-up vs Hungary at this point in time is, from what I've read in the press:
Let's hope our players' skills can overcome our coach's defects.
We need at least 4 points from the next 2 matches to qualify to the play-offs.
In any case, while I don't think any of the two teams can actually threaten for a WC spot, we should strive to beat one of our biggest rivals, one who, traditionally has owned us, although in the past 30 years they have done nothing much against us.
Hungary at this point is, as Piturca's Romania, a middle strength team that usually misses every qualification to a final tournament. Romania at this point is a team that, while having great potential, is held back to the absolutely amateur level of the federation and the "selectioner"--one who can neither choose players nor train them properly. As in most other things, Romania could do great things--but we never even try.
In any case, we can expect call-ups ranging from average to very bad... With lots of potentially key players like Mutu, Sapunaru missing from the squad. Even talents such as Maxim are not guaranteed a starting spot... Certainly not in their favorite position. While average players like Dragos Grigore always get called-up, even if they never play.
Predicted starting line-up vs Hungary at this point in time is, from what I've read in the press:
Tatarusanu
Matel---Chiriches--Goian----Rat
Bourceanu---Lazar
Torje------Maxim-------Tanase
Stancu
Matel---Chiriches--Goian----Rat
Bourceanu---Lazar
Torje------Maxim-------Tanase
Stancu
Let's hope our players' skills can overcome our coach's defects.
We need at least 4 points from the next 2 matches to qualify to the play-offs.