Dinamo claim comeback win

By Paul-Daniel Zaharia

Romanian Cup holders FC Dinamo Bucuresti twice came from behind to edge a five-goal thriller against arch-rivals FC Steaua Bucuresti and claim their maiden Super Cup triumph.

Niculescu drama
Claudiu Niculescu scored the winning goal with just seven minutes remaining, removed his shirt as he wheeled away in celebration and promptly received a booking – his second of the game and was dismissed. By that time Steaua were also down to ten men, however, and Dinamo held on to earn their first win in this competition following three successive defeats.

Debut goal
Champions Steaua were responsible for the first in that run, and looked to be on course to repeat the feat when they broke the deadlock on 15 minutes with Nicolae Dica converting Banel Nicolita's cross. Unfortunate to find themselves behind, Dinamo did not lose their composure and equalised seven minutes before the interval through Florin Bratu, a summer signing from FC Nantes Atlantique.

Pivotal moment
But by half-time Steaua were back in front after another newcomer, Victoras Iacob, headed in from close range. Steaua were now in the ascendancy and Dinamo looked destined for defeat until the 65th minute when Sorin Paraschiv was injured and unable to continue. By that time Oleg Protasov had already made three substitutions and Steaua were therefore forced to complete the match with ten men.

Defensive error
Dinamo capitalised within four minutes, Alexandru Baltoi pouncing on an error from Sorin Ghionea and slotting in. Niculescu then sealed a famous win inside the last ten minutes before he received a red card to put a dampener on Dinamo's success.