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Romania squad
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June 05, 2008 19:58 IST

Bogdan Lobont (Dinamo Bucharest). Goalkeeper. Born 18.1.1978. Caps 62. Goals 0.

Nicknamed "The Cat" for his agility, the calm, experienced Lobont is a reassuring presence for his defenders. However, he is also ready to shout when needed. Unveiled his own range of fashion wear, "Lobby One", last year.

Marius Popa (Poli Stiinta 1921 Timisoara). Goalkeeper. Born 12.4.76. Caps 1. Goals 0.

Having been called up 12 times and left on the bench on each occasion, Popa finally made his international debut in a 3-0 friendly win over Russia [Images] in March.

Eduard Stancioiu (CFR Cluj). Goalkeeper. Born 3.3.1981. Caps 0. Goals 0.

A last-minute call-up to replace injured Danut Coman. Had an extremely good season, helping his team to win both the Romanian league title and the cup.

Cosmin Contra (Getafe). Defender. Born 15.12.75. Caps 62. Goals 7.

A defender with an eye for goal, scoring in both legs of Getafe's UEFA [Images] Cup quarter-final with Bayern Munich this season, Contra is the most talkative player in the squad. His team mates nickname him 'Gurita' meaning 'small mouth'.

Stefan Radu (Lazio). Defender. Born 22.10.86. Caps 7. Goals 0.

Already seen as Chivu's successor at the back, the young former Dinamo Bucharest central defender and right back has now won a place in Lazio's line-up in Serie A.

Dorin Goian (Steaua Bucharest). Defender. Born 12.12.80. Caps 19. Goals 3.

His height (1.94 m) makes him an imposing presence in the penalty area at both ends, enabling him to clear danger on the defensive and pose an attacking threat on set pieces. A good goal sense, he has scored five times for Steaua Bucharest in 25 Champions League and UEFA Cup matches.

Gabriel Tamas (Auxerre). Defender. Born 9.11.83. Caps 31. Goals 2.

A much-travelled defender who has had spells in Turkey, Russia, Spain and France [Images]. A tough customer, Tamas is one half of Romania's first-choice central defensive partnership with Dorin Goian.

Razvan Rat (Shakhtar Donetsk). Defender. Born 26.5.81. Caps 47. Goals 1.

A popular choice for Mircea Lucescu's Shakhtar Donetsk and for Romania, he considered leaving his club earlier this year, with the hope of a move to a western European league. He has since settled down and become a regular for Shakhtar.

Mirel Radoi (Steaua Bucharest). Defender/Midfielder. Born 22.3.81. Caps 42. Goals 1.

A utility player, Radoi can play any role in defence or midfield and has a reputation for a blistering shot from distance. Returns to the squad after recovering from a severe knee injury.

Cristian Chivu (Inter Milan). Defender. Born 26.10.80. Caps 58. Goals 3.

Gheorghe Hagi's successor as Romania uncontested skipper and can fill a number of positions between defence and midfield. Skilful and determined, Chivu is also a redoubtable free-kick taker. Due to marry a TV celebrity after Euro 2008 [Images].

Razvan Cocis (Lokomotiv Moskow). Midfielder. Born 10.2.75. Caps 11. Goals 3.

Has recovered after a serious injury put him out of action for several months last year. Used by coach Victor Piturca in games where pace and a counter-attacking threat are needed.

Paul Codrea (Siena). Midfielder. Born 4.4.81. Caps 32. Goals 1.

A regular in the qualifying campaign and one of Romania's strongest players, Codrea has benefited from his eight seasons in Italy's [Images] Serie A and B with Genoa, Palermo, Perugia, Torino and now Siena. Fit again after a knee injury.

Adrian Cristea (Dinamo Bucharest). Midfielder. Born 30.11.83. Caps 5. Goals 0.

Could be given a call-up if coach Victor Piturca is looking to add an attacking midfielder to the mix.

Banel Nicolita (Steaua Bucharest). Midfielder. Born 7.1.85. Caps 19. Goals 1.

A crowd favourite for his gritty determination, Nicolita is an industrious winger who can play on either flank. Remembered for rifling home an own goal that cost his side a 1-0 defeat by Real Madrid [Images] in the Champions League group phase in 2006.

Nicolae Dica (Steaua Bucharest). Midfielder. Born 9.5.80. Caps 24. Goals 6.

Capable of turning on a one-man show at club level in the classic number 10 playmaking role, he has scored 13 goals in 36 UEFA Cup and Champions League matches.

Florentin Petre (CSKA Sofia). Midfielder. Born 15.1.76. Caps 49. Goals 5.

The smallest member of the Romania squad (at 1.66 m and 61 kg), Petre is a real threat down the right wing and a important weapon in Romania's counter-attacking game.

Adrian Mutu (Fiorentina). Forward. Born 8.1.79. Caps 60. Goals 27.

The key figure in Romania's run to Euro 2008 with his six goals in qualifying, Mutu is a proven quality finisher who readily turns goal-maker for his team mates. As popular now with fans in Romania as Gheorghe Hagi was with an earlier generation.

Marius Niculae (Inverness Caledonian Thistle). Forward. Born 16.5.81. Caps 29. Goals 13.

Has made a welcome return to the national squad after four years of injuries and took his goal tally into double figures this season at club level. Not one to be messed with, Niculae was a national judo champion at junior level in Romania.

Daniel Niculae (AJ Auxerre). Forward. Born 6.10.82. Caps 21. Goals 5.

After a difficult start to his Ligue 1 career, Niculae has blossomed this season, scoring 11 league goals to steer his club clear of the danger zone. Links the play up well and is a popular figure with Romania fans.

Ciprian Marica (VfB Stuttgart). Forward. Born 2.10.85. Caps 23. Goals 8.

Great at Dinamo Bucharest and Shakhtar Donetsk, he moved in 2007 to then newly-crowned German champions Stuttgart for a fee estimated at eight million euros. He has failed to impress so far in the Bundesliga but has kept his first-choice status with Romania coach Victor Piturca at international level.



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