National take Romania by surprise
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Article summary
Monthly review: FC National Bucuresti have left the title favourites trailing in their wake.
Article body
Disciplined National
Coach Cosmin Olaroiu has built a disciplined, well-balanced team blending youth and experience, and they have opened an impressive lead in the Romanian First Division. On Saturday, National stretched the gap over second-placed AFC Rapid Bucuresti to five points, despite being held to a 2-2 home draw by FC Farul Constanta, who were reduced to ten men with the dismissal of goalkeeper George Curca.
Favourites struggle
Rapid were unable to take advantage, losing 1-0 at FC Otelul Galati. Consistency has been Rapid's problem, and third-placed FC Steaua Bucuresti are also struggling to find their rhythm. Steaua are the only Romanian side to have reached the UEFA Cup group stage, but that success has failed to kick-start their domestic campaign. Monday's 1-0 home defeat by CS Politehnica Iasi brought them down to earth after last week's triumph against PFC CSKA Sofia.
Slow start
Double winners FC Dinamo Bucuresti are finally beginning to hit form after a poor start. After six rounds the champions had won just once, but three straight victories have lifted Dinamo to ninth position, though they remain ten points behind National.
Cluj surprise
CFR Cluj are the surprise package on their return to the top flight after a 28-year absence. Aurel Sunda's men are fifth, and have already had their say in the title race, beating Dinamo 4-2 and drawing 1-1 with Rapid.
Coaching changes
Unfortunately, coaching changes remain a feature of the top flight. Vasile Simionas was replaced by Ionut Popa at Poli Iasi; Gabi Stan is now training FC Brasov; and at FC Apulum Alba Iulia, Alexandru Pelici has succeeded Stelian Gherman. Meanwhile, FC Politehnica AEK Timisoara are on to their third coach in Gheorghe Multescu, and Victor Piturca has made way for Walter Zenga at Steaua.
Badea appointment
Problems, too, at FC Universitatea Craiova, where Mircea Rednic resigned after eighth rounds. Former Craiova president and coach Pavel Badea has taken charge and led the side to victory at FC Brasov in his first match on Sunday.
