Romanian record awaits Munteanu
Friday, August 12, 2005
Article summary
Romania's veteran midfield player Dorinel Munteanu could pick up a record-equalling 125th cap against Andorra.
Article body
By Paul-Daniel Zaharia
Veteran midfielder Dorinel Munteanu has the chance to equal the record number of Romania appearances after being included in Victor Piturca's squad for the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Andorra on 17 August.
Record attempt
The 37-year-old has 124 caps and should he play in the Group 1 game in Constanta, will equal Gheorghe Hagi's record of 125. "Munteanu is in very good shape and as long as he is able to help the national team, I will call on him," Piturca said of a player who also coaches UEFA Intertoto Cup finalists CFR Cluj.
Third place
The Romania coach, whose side lie third in their group behind the Netherlands and the Czech Republic, has sought to blend youth and experience in his party. However, he is without AFC Ajax forward Nicolae Mitea who is recovering from a knee injury.
Romania squad
Lobont (AFC Ajax), Curca (FC Farul Constanta), Stoican (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Barcauan (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Rat (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Contra (Getafe CF), Tamas (FC Dinamo Bucuresti), Chivu (AS Roma), Pascovici (FC Farul Constanta), Cocis (FC Sheriff), Balan (FC Sportul Studentesc), Petre (FC Dinamo Bucuresti), Tararache (FC Zürich), Munteanu (CFR Cluj), Coman (FC Politehnica AEK Timisoara), Dica (FC Steaua Bucuresti), Mutu (Juventus FC), Niculescu (FC Dinamo Bucuresti), Niculae (AFC Rapid Bucuresti), Bucur (FC Politehnica AEK Timisoara).
