Iordanescu turns to home guard

Absent stars
With star men such as Adrian Mutu (Chelsea FC), Daniel Pancu (Besiktas JK) and Florin Cernat (FC Dynamo Kyiv) sidelined, Iordanescu has selected eleven players from Divizia A clubs, including FC National Bucuresti goalkeeper Marius Popa, who receives a first call-up.

Niculae comeback
Back in the squad after a long injury lay-off is Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Marius Niculae, while FC Torpedo Moskva defender Cristian Dancia returns after a three-year absence. There are also recalls for Cosmin Barcauan and Adrian Neaga from FC Dinamo Bucuresti and FC Steaua Bucuresti respectively.

Romania squad
Lobont, Stelea, Popa, Contra, Stoican, Iencsi, Chivu, Radoi, Rat, Ghionea, Barcauan, Dancia, Florentin Petre, Ovidiu Petre, Dica, Plesan, Alexa, Caramarin, Ganea, Niculae, Danciulescu, Neaga.