Romania are returning to major tournament football after eight years of absence. In 2008, they were drawn in the so-called “Group of Death” along with Holland, Italy and France. Although they didn’t progress, the team’s performance couldn’t be called a disaster, as Romania managed respectable draws against both France and Italy. And at the end of the game with Italy Gianluigi Buffon saved the penalty from Adrian Mutu, stripping Romania of a surprise win.
Their best performance at the European Championships came back in 2000 when a late penalty helped Romania to beat England 3-2 and earn a place in the quarter-finals, where they lost to Italy.
Goalkeepers: Ciprian Tătăruşanu (Fiorentina), Costel Pantilimon (Watford), Silviu Lung (Astra Giurgiu).
Defenders: Cristian Săpunaru (Pandurii Târgu Jiu), Alexandru Matel (Dinamo Zagreb), Vlad Chiricheş (Napoli), Valerică Găman (Astra Giurgiu), Cosmin Moţi (Ludogorets), Dragoş Grigore (Al-Sailiya), Răzvan Raţ (Rayo Vallecano), Steliano Filip (Dinamo Bucureşti).
Midfielders: Mihai Pintilii (Steaua Bucureşti), Ovidiu Hoban (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Andrei Prepeliţă (Ludogorets), Adrian Popa (Steaua Bucureşti), Gabriel Torje (Osmanlıspor), Alexandru Chipciu (Steaua Bucureşti), Nicolae Stanciu (Steaua Bucureşti), Lucian Sânmărtean (al-Ittihad).
Forwards: Claudiu Keșerü (Ludogorets), Bogdan Stancu (Gençlerbirliği), Florin Andone (Córdoba), Denis Alibec (Astra Giurgiu).
Not only is Chiriches the captain of this Romanian side, but he is arguably the most important player. The fact that Romania only conceded two goals in qualifying was largely down the to the performances of their captain. The 26 year old might not have cut it at Tottenham, nor has he fully established himself at Napoli as of yet, but for the national team he is a crucial component.
Romania’s top priority in qualifying was to keep a clean sheet, something they duly did on no less than eight occasions. The two defining moments during their campaign were 1-0 and 2-0 wins over Greece and Northern Ireland. Romania went down to 10 men against Greece on the 53rd minute, but still managed to win the game, showing both great spirit and defensive resolve. And in defeating the eventual group winner Romania secured their place at these finals.
France v Romania – 10th June, 2016
Romania v Switzerland – 15th June, 2016
Romania v Albania – 21st June, 2016
Despite being a solid side defensively, it is at the other end where the Romanians could fall short at this tournament. Their strategy of keeping a clean sheet has been detrimental to their attacking capability – Three consecutive goalless draw against Northern Ireland, Romania and Greece.
Romania’s main rival for the third place and a chance to get into the last 16 is likely to be Albania. The match between these two in the final round of group games might become a ‘play-off’ of it’s own to determine who makes it through to the knockout rounds. However, the lack of attacking vigour might limit the Romanians to two draws, at best, against both Switzerland and Albania, which is likely to mean an early exit from the competition.
On this basis, the pick here is Romania to get eliminated at the group stage, while Romania to score under 2.5 points also looks a good bet at odds of 6/5.
In terms of the opening game against hosts France, the Romanians will be up against it from the off. The French team will be keen to make and early impression on this tournament and will therefore be going after a solid win in order to lay down that marker. Les Bleus to win with -2 handicap at the appealing price of 14/5 is another selection that is worth a punt.