Contra keen to enjoy Ribéry reunion
Friday, June 6, 2008
Article summary
Cosmin Contra has extra reason to want to create an upset in Monday's Group C curtain-raiser as Romania face a France side which includes a familiar foe.
Article top media content

Article body
Getafe thriller
The right-back scored a goal in either leg when his Getafe CF side met FC Bayern München in an enthralling UEFA Cup quarter-final in April. After a 1-1 draw in the first encounter, Luca Toni was the German team's hero with two extra-time strikes in Spain as the visitors recovered from 3-1 down to prevail on away goals. Yet the fightback was only made possible by Ribéry cancelling out Contra's virtuoso opener a minute from the end of normal time. "They were great matches and I was forced to make a few blocks and tackles on Ribéry," said the 32-year-old Contra. "It is essential to double up on players like Ribéry because in one-on-one situations he can be very dangerous."
Tactical masterclass
The diminutive winger is battling with an ankle knock to take his place in France's starting lineup in Zurich, having been injured in Tuesday's 1-0 warm-up victory over Colombia. Ribéry scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, but it was the all-round team performance which caught Contra's eye. "I was surprised because they changed their system a few times during the course of the match," said Contra. "With the top-quality players they have, France have the ability to change formation at any time during a match. That's why we have to prepare well for our first outing – and we will."
No party
Along with Cristian Chivu, Bogdan Lobont and Adrian Mutu, Contra is one of four veterans of the team that reached the UEFA EURO 2000™ quarter-finals the last time Romania graced a major tournament. It makes the right-sided player more aware than most that, when Victor Piţurcă urges his squad to have "a party" in Austria and Switzerland, he is merely trying to get them to put expectations to one side and savour the moment. "I think the coach wanted to take the pressure off us, but we are not here for a holiday," he said. "We are aiming to reach the quarter-finals and play good football in what is an illustrious group. All of us are keen to demonstrate our value." After his UEFA Cup disappointment, Contra perhaps has an extra point to prove.