Romania won against Poland and has high hopes for Euro Quals

Iulian Apostol

Niculae’s goal has brought the fourth victory from Răzvan Lucescu’s commission. Success through the group discipline, a trump which we will rely on in the qualifications for the continental final tournament from 2012


Romania made last night at Varşovia a new victory and it showed good moments, which make us be more optimistic. Another positive result, in front of an adversary, it is true, quite modest. And a new confirmation that Răzvan’s team can make a disciplined group game without Mutu.

4-4 at the occasions
Lucescu has guessed correctly when he prepared the pressing card in front of an adversary with a defensive which is not very technical. Marica and Niculae, supported by Apostol, Codrea and Tănase, have often made pressure in the first half and a lot of balls have been recovered by the Romanians.

In the first half, both teams dominated equally, even the occasions report being equal, 4-4. The couple Daniel Niculae-Marica created the phase from the 6th minute, a ball shot over the goalpost, Chivu made a free kick to the goalkeeper (20), Tănase shot, instead of passing to Marica (22), and Apostol’s final pass, deviated in canopy, was hardly defended by Kuszczak. At our goalpost, Pantilimon distinguished by defending the ball in front of Lewandowski (29), but also by the shot given by Jelen (25).

Nico’s recompense
Răzvan’s new attack really worked. The goal and a few previous actions are the proof. In the 58th minute, Marica solved quickly a phase on the left side, he passed for Nico a ball deviated by Ghioane and this way the score opened: a ball sent in the net by "the French" and with a little chance, on a happy deviation. A recompense of the player from Auxerre who was convoked again at the national team!

The Romanians missed the detachment in the 64th minute, but Kuszczak opposed at Nico’s and Bucur’s double. Gigel shot near the bar (73), after, few minutes before Ghioane didn’t arrive at a pass given by Nicoliţă.

Pressed in the additional time
Even the Polish grew the pressure, especially on the left side, but Pantilimon and the men in front of him resisted.

They hurdled vividly the phase in the additional time, too, with Malecki who passed quickly near Pantilimon, he went out at 20 m, but he was blocked by Săpunaru. A last effort for a victory which let us dream to a return in Warsaw, for the European Championship from 2012!


"We can compensate everything through attitude, education and sobriety. I am so sorry that there is so much negativism in the country and around this team. I know many people who would like to be in my place now and have this series of results"
Răzvan Lucescu, spotter Romania


“I am sure that we will qualify at Euro 2012. We looked as a team which knows to fight and i am happy for this”
Răzvan Lucescu, spotter Romania



"This victory can may represent the positive beginning for a new qualification campaign. I am happy that we managed the second consecutive match in the goalpost of the national team"
Costel Pantilimon, goalkeeper Romania


“Romania gave a good answer through this result. Răzvan managed to win in Lithuania, in Hungary and now. A thing which the Romanian teams haven’t managed lately!”
MIRCEA LUCESCU, coach Şahtior


“We had a good playing speed, with many balls played from one touch. Anyway, there are some played who showed that they cannot contribute to obtaining a qualification”
MARIAN IANCU sponsor Poli Timişoara


"The bad field was for both teams, with the mention that we, being more technical, were disadvantaged more. We hope to return at Euro and find it better"
Daniel Niculae, forward Romania


"It is an important result, even if it was a friendly match. It is important for the coefficients, it is important that we made a good game and we won. We want to come back here at Euro"
Răzvan Raţ, international player Romania