Opportunity knocks for neighbours

Neighbours Romania and Bulgaria may already feel they are scrapping for a place at the UEFA EURO 2008™ finals as they renew acquaintances in Constanta.

Favourable draw
Drawn against the Netherlands, Albania, Belarus, Luxembourg and Slovenia in qualifying Group G, both sides will consider themselves capable of taking at least second place to progress to the tournament in Austria and Switzerland - and for Romania, it would be particularly satisfying to do so at Bulgaria's expense.

Controversial victory
Romania have an excellent record against their neighbours with 21 wins to Bulgaria's eleven in 38 previous meetings. However, recent history has been less favourable. It was a defeat and a decisive draw against Bulgaria that denied them a spot at the 1992 UEFA European Championship in Sweden, while a disallowed Dorinel Munteanu goal in a 1-0 loss to Bulgaria at EURO '96™ still sets blood boiling in Bucharest.

Last chance
For the likes of Adrian Mutu, Cristian Chivu, Bogdan Lobont and Cosmin Contra, all of whom were expected to achieve great things for Romania, UEFA EURO 2008™ represents a last chance to shine on the international stage. Having missed out on three major finals in a row, they are eager to grab the opportunity that Group G presents. "This is the last chance for our generation to achieve something big for our country," said Mutu. "It's time to give not just everything we have, but more." Captain Chivu added: "It's time to qualify for a major tournament. We cannot afford to fail."

Crucial match
Immediately after the group draw, Romania coach Victor Piturca identified how important Saturday's game would be. Acknowledging the Netherlands as favourites to top the section, Piturca said: "The first match against Bulgaria is crucial for our entire campaign. Bulgaria are our main rivals for second place."

Friendly rivalry
Visiting coach Hristo Stoichkov will likely concur as he looks to lead his new-look team to qualification. Although Bulgarian football's biggest star is a close friend of his Romanian counterpart Georghe Hagi - he was best man at his wedding in the 1990s - he will have few qualms about dashing the latter's EURO hopes.

Rising stars
Stiochkov's players are finding their way to the very top levels of European football: Dimitar Berbatov joined Tottenham Hotspur FC this summer, Stilian Petrov left Celtic FC for Aston Villa FC, PFC Slavia Sofia's Blagoy Georgiev moved to FK Crvena Zvezda while striking prodigy Valeri Bojinov went from ACF Fiorentina to Juventus.

Optimistic Bulgarians
That, combined with the good form of Bulgarian clubs in Europe - where PFC Levski Sofia have become the first A PFG side to reach the UEFA Champions League group stage - has given the national squad reason for optimism. "We are extremely motivated and looking forward to the game," said skipper Petrov. "The mood in the camp is excellent and we all believe we can take something from Constanta."

'Something else'
Stoichkov admits that club success represents "a big boost for our football" but Romania have had similar encouragement, with FC Steaua Bucuresti following Levski into the group stage after a ten-year absence. However, Piturca refuses to read too much into that, saying: "The national team is something else." With so much at stake, Saturday's encounter certainly promises to be something else entirely.