Romania
Tactics
Romania’s spine – goalkeeper Lobont, central defender Goian, midfielder Chivu and forward Mutu – is ideal for the attack-minded playing style favoured by Victor Piturca, himself a former national team forward. All four key players are intelligent and natural leaders who want to drive the team forward.
Attacking influence
Lobont is adept at launching counter-attacks by feeding speedy winger Florentin Petre (or Nicolita). The tall Goian is dominant in defence but also in the opposition area when going up for free-kicks or corners. Chivu’s ability to build attacks prompted his move forward from central defence to the left-sided holding midfield role. And Mutu is more than capable of meeting the main goalscoring brief, as he proved in the qualifiers.
Mutu as second striker
In a 4-2-3-1, Marica will take the forward role (with Daniel Niculae as cover).
An alternative formation is 4-4-1-1, with Mutu operating as a second striker behind Marica. Nicolita could come in on
the right for Florentin Petre, with Radoi taking a holding midfield role, and Chivu pushing out to the left. Cocis would drop out.
Newsletter
