Niculae wins cup for Rapid
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Article summary
AFC Rapid Bucuresti lifted the Romanian Cup for a 12th time on Wednesday night after a 1-0 extra-time victory over capital rivals FC National 2000 Bucuresti.
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Deadlock broken
Daniel Niculae was the difference between the sides, scoring in the first minute of overtime with a shot from 20 metres that National goalkeeper Eugen Nae was unable to keep out. It was due reward for Rapid's dominance of the first 90 minutes, when they wasted at least six clear goalscoring opportunities.
Double dream
Rapid might have lifted the cup as recently as 2002 but this was a first trophy of coach Razvan Lucescu's career. His team may yet complete a domestic double, lying third in Divizia A, two points behind leaders FC Steaua Bucuresti with three matches remaining.