Romania took three points against Ukraine, and is only a hair away from qualifying. Is a feat on the way, like in 1994 when she reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup? We spoke about it with Ilie Dumitrescu, who became a legend during this campaign.
The greatest feat in the history of Romania probably dates back to 1994. At the time, the selection led by the legendary Gheorghe Hagi qualified for the American World Cup… ahead of Belgium, then came out of a group made up of the USA, host country, Colombia and Switzerland.
In the round of 16, it was Romania’s moment of glory: the Tricoliri eliminate the Argentina of Gabriel Batistuta, Diego Simeone and Ariel Ortega. A man stands out, and it’s not Hagi but Ilie Dumitrescu, double scorer and decisive passer for a 3-2 victory. A true legend of Steaua Bucharest (165 matches, 71 goals) and of the Romanian selection (62 caps, 20 goals) with whom Walfoot.be had the chance to talk before Belgium-Romania.
Hello Mr Dumitrescu. First of all, what did you think of Romania’s match against Ukraine? Were you surprised by such a performance?
Ilie Dumitrescu : No, not surprised at all. We had a fantastic qualifying campaign, finishing first in our group ahead of Switzerland, always considered a good European team. The coach put in place a clear plan, with a lot of personality. In Romania, confidence was very present before this match.
The team is very well positioned tactically, covers space very well during matches, always seeks to hit and hurt its opponent when recovering the ball. The plan was executed perfectly.
It is this collective which forms the main quality of Romania, would you say?
Yes, the team spirit is incredible, of course. But it’s not just that. We have enormous individual quality, make no mistake about it. Dennis Man is a superb player, Nicolae Stanciu, our captain, showed what he can do… Behind, Dragusin is an excellent defender. It’s not just the collective in this team.
Would you say that the main difference between this team and, for example, the 1994 team is that they don’t have a Gheorghe Hagi?
(he thinks) Listen, it’s impossible to find a Gheorghe Hagi. He’s the greatest player in the history of Romanian football, that’s all. There won’t be two. It’s pointless to compare these two eras, these two selections. Because this new generation must write its own history and it has the weapons to achieve this, I am convinced.
This generation can do as well, if not better, than in 1994
Can she do as well as your generation?
I have no doubt: there is a lot of quality in this group and they can do as well, if not better than us in 1994.
Did you see the Belgium match? What do you think of our team?
I saw it, yes, and frankly… You don’t have to worry. There is a great team in place with Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, Romelu Lukaku… You won’t find anyone in Romania to underestimate Belgium because they lost that first match.
With 3 points, Romania is close to qualification. One point and it might be in the pocket…
No, no, we want 6 points to be sure of qualifying (smile). Four points might not be enough. We want six.
So the Romanian approach to this match will absolutely not change?
Romania will play for the three points, we will not change our game plan following the inaugural victory. We will play to win, like every match, with a lot of intensity and good coverage of space. Believe me, Romania has what it takes to hurt the Red Devils! But I also know that we will have to be on top.
I’m going to conclude with a quick question… Gheorghe Hagi or Kevin De Bruyne?
(laughs) Do you really have to ask? Listen, De Bruyne comes from another planet. He’s the best player in the world in his position, quite simply. But of course I choose Hagi. He was my teammate, he is the greatest Romanian player in history. I’m not saying that just because of that, though. I would choose Gheorghe Hagi.
 A legend from 1994 warns Belgium: “Romania will play to win… and can do it” – Tout le football){kind=link}