Romania dig for Dutch courage

The fates may be conspiring against Romania but they go into Saturday's UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifier in the Netherlands knowing their luck has to change some time.

EURO finalists
Third in Group G, three points behind leaders the Netherlands albeit with a game in hand, this Romania team are eager to follow the lead of their 'Golden Generation' predecessors, who earned a place at UEFA EURO 2000™. If they are to achieve that, a victory in Rotterdam could prove priceless.

Dutch omens
However, the form book is hardly on their side. Romania have yet to win in eight friendly and competitive games against this weekend's opponents, drawing two and losing six, while scoring just once in the process. Moreover, coach Victor Piturca's only competitive defeats in his two spells at the helm came in 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against the Oranje.

Fantastic atmosphere
Nonetheless, goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont, who spent five seasons in the Eredivisie with AFC Ajax and recently returned to FC Dinamo 1948 Bucuresti from ACF Fiorentina, was looking forward to the trip. "I have played several times in Rotterdam, including with the national team, and the atmosphere is fantastic," he said. Lobont's excitement masks a raft of problems for Romania, however. Captain Cristian Chivu has been sidelined after breaking his nose in AS Roma's UEFA Champions League victory against Olympique Lyonnais, while FC Steaua Bucuresti's Nicolae Dica, Sorin Ghionea, Petre Marin and Ovidiu Petre are long-term absentees.

Rapid promotion
More recently, PFC CSKA Sofia midfielder Florentin Petre injured his back and he will sit out this week's ties against the Netherlands and Luxembourg - the latter in Piatra Neamt - while a lack of numbers may force Piturca to hand defender and FC Universitatea Craiova captain Dorel Stoica a cap to accompany his first call-up. Piturca could have other matters on his mind though. His father died last Sunday, and his assistants have been overseeing training in anticipation of his return following the funeral on Tuesday. The coach, like his players, may have no reason for buoyancy, but Lobont's embattled optimism could yet see them through.

'One point from God'
"Everybody says the Dutch are favourites and maybe that's the case, but I would say the match is even," said Lobont. "It starts at 0-0 and we have the ability to get at least one point. At the start of the match, you get one point from God. You have to fight for the other two, and we can do it."