Iordanescu ready for vital fixtures
Monday, September 1, 2003
Article summary
Romanian national coach Anghel Iordanescu has recalled Florin Cernat and Paul Codrea to his squad.
Article body
Munteanu milestone
Cernat and Codrea return after a recent absence, while another midfielder, VfL Wolfsburg veteran Dorinel Munteanu, will gain his 116th cap if selected against Luxembourg on Saturday.
Injury withdrawals
Injury has forced Marian Aliuta and Gabriel Tamas to withdraw from a squad already missing Cosmin Contra and Marius Niculae for the same reason. Midfield man Aliuta will not be replaced, but Tamas's defensive deputy will be Iulian Miu from Turkish side Bursaspor.
Hutan bow
Under-21 goalkeeper Sebastian Hutan earns his first senior call-up, while striker Florin Bratu will join the squad after completing his transfer to Galatasaray SK.
Copenhagen showdown
Romania are currently third in Group 2, three points behind leaders Denmark but only one adrift of Norway with two games to play. They welcome Luxembourg to Ploiesti on Saturday before visiting Copenhagen on Wednesday, and must then wait until 11 October for the other contenders to complete their fixtures.
Coach's admission
Iordanescu admitted: "It would not be good for Romania to miss another qualification, after missing out on the 2002 [FIFA] World Cup."
Romania squad
Lobont, Stelea, Hutan, Stoican, Iencsi, Chivu, Rat, Radoi, Rada, Stoica, Sanmartean, Pancu, Munteanu, Soava, Cernat, Dumitru, Codrea, Mutu, Ganea, Bratu, Oprita, Mitea.
