Defeat spells end for Iordanescu

Anghel Iordanescu has announced his resignation as Romania coach in the wake of today's 5-2 home defeat by Denmark in the UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier in Bucharest.

'Logical decision'
Iordanescu, who was in his second spell as national team coach, said quitting was the "only logical thing to do" after a match which defied all logic, but brought the Romanians a second home defeat in qualifying after an earlier loss against Norway.

Apology to fans
In his post-match press conference, Iordanescu said: "I apologise publicly to you the journalists, to the players and to the fantastic public but we've lost six vital points at home to Norway and Denmark and I must assume my responsibility and the only logical thing to do is step down."

Two players quit
Following Iordanescu's announcement, the veteran national team captain Gheorghe Popescu and defender Iulian Filipescu also announced they were quitting the national team. Iordanescu stressed: "This decision is definite."

No luck
Romania actually led the Danes twice but enjoyed little luck, a goal from the halfway line by Thomas Gravesen and Cosmin Contra own goal, in particular, conspiring against them. Iordanescu said: "I don't remember seeing a game like this in my career. The players showed that wanted to win, they played well but they had incredible bad luck.

'I blame myself'
"I blame myself for this result but this team has a good future. We had a chance of second place but they need a new coach who can breathe new life into the squad."

First time round
Iordanescu was Romania's coach from 1993-98, in which time he took his country to successive FIFA World Cup finals in the United States and France. He began his second spell in January last year following Gheorghe Hagi's failure to qualify for the World Cup in Korea/Japan.