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Romania seek courage in adversity

Coach Victor Piturca was determined "not to get melodramatic" as injury-ravaged Romania host a potential Group G decider against the Netherlands.

Coach Victor Piturca was determined "not to get melodramatic" as injury-ravaged Romania prepare for a potential Group G decider against the Netherlands.

Crucial fixture
Top of the section, level with the Netherlands and two points clear of third-placed Bulgaria, a win against the Dutch in Constanta on Saturday would leave Piturca's men in pole position to claim a place in next summer's finals. "We all know that we have to beat Holland and that it will be very difficult," he said. "If we do win, our qualifying chances will rise to 90 per cent."

Major changes
Winning would take a heroic effort from Romania in the circumstances, with reserve goalkeeper Danut Coman and right-back Cosmin Contra the latest names to be crossed off Piturca's squad list with the injured Sorin Ghionea, Mirel Radoi, Razvan Cocis, Ianis Zicu and Laurentiu Rosu already ruled out. With Alin Stoica and Florentin Petre not match fit, Romania have had to make major changes.

Rare sightings
The exasperated Piturca has been forced to recall some lesser-spotted talents to his team. The uncapped Marius Popa has replaced Coman while FC Dinamo 1948 Bucureşti striker Florin Bratu returns to the squad after a three-year absence. AFC Ajax right-back George Ogararu and Dinamo midfielder Andrei Margaritescu have a chance of winning their second caps, while FC Rapid Bucureşti defender Marius Constantin and Rimini Calcio midfielder Sorin Paraschiv might win their third and fifth respectively.

Munteanu rested
In the circumstances, it was perhaps a surprise that Piturca has also confirmed that veteran midfielder Dorinel Munteanu, now 39, would not be called up to the squad. Piturca has agreed with the SC Vaslui player-coach that his 16-year international career should be put on hold. "He has helped us enormously in the national team but he cannot take the physical exertion," said Piturca.

Testimonial plans
Munteanu has won 134 caps for his country already, and will be hoping to retire with 135 if all goes well in the remaining Group G games. Piturca explained: "I have already spoken with him and if we have qualified before the last match, I will name him for our final UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier against Albania. It will be his farewell match from the national team. He deserves it."

Emergency plan
While the last member of Romania's golden generation heads into the history books, Piturca hopes his unfamiliar looking side can find the magic formula to unlock the Dutch defence. "It's not a good time for us but in the national team the motivation is different," he said. "We are not to get melodramatic because so many players are missing. I am sure that everybody will give their best."

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