Romania national football team

Romania

Nickname(s)	Tricolorii (The Tricolours)
Association	Federația Română de Fotbal (FRF)
Confederation	UEFA (Europe)
Head coach	Anghel Iordănescu
Captain	Răzvan Raț
Most caps	Dorinel Munteanu (134)
Top scorer	Gheorghe Hagi, Adrian Mutu (35)
Home stadium	Arena Națională
FIFA code	ROU
First colours Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current	19 (5 May 2016)
Highest	3 (September 1997)
Lowest	57 (February 2011, September 2012)
Elo ranking
Current	27 (9 September 2015)
Highest	5 (June 1990)
Lowest	42 (1949, 1960)
First international
Yugoslavia 1–2 Romania  (Belgrade, Yugoslavia; 8 June 1922)
Biggest win
Romania 9–0 Finland  (Bucharest, Romania; 14 October 1973)
Biggest defeat
Hungary 9–0 Romania  (Budapest, Hungary; 6 June 1948)
World Cup
Appearances	7 (First in 1930)
Best result	Quarter-finals, 1994
European Championship
Appearances	4 (First in 1984)
Best result	Quarter-finals, 2000

The Romania national football team (Romanian: Echipa națională de fotbal a României) is the national football team of Romania and is controlled by the Romanian Football Federation.

Romania is one of only four national teams from Europe, the other three being Yugoslavia, France, and Belgium, that took part in the first World Cup in 1930.

Since that performance, they have qualified for the 1934, 1938, 1970, 1990, 1994 and 1998 editions. Their finest hour came at the 1994 World Cup where Romania, led by playmaker Gheorghe Hagi, reached the quarter-finals by defeating South American powerhouse Argentina before losing to Sweden on a penalty shootout.

At the European Championships, Romania's best performance was in 2000 when they advanced to the quarter-finals from a group with Germany, Portugal and England before falling to eventual runners-up Italy. They also reached the last eight in 1960 and 1972, and qualified for the 1984, 1996, 2008 and 2016 tournaments.

History

Early years

The Romanian Football Federation (Federația Română de Fotbal) was established on October 1909 in Bucharest. Romania played their first international match on 8 June 1922, a 2–1 win over Yugoslavia in Belgrade, being coached by Teofil Moraru.^[1] Several temporary coaches were employed, before Moraru resumed control in August 1924, managing the side for nearly four years. Romania enjoyed some success during the 1930s; manager Costel Rădulescu took them to the first three FIFA World Cup tournaments, a feat matched only by Brazil, Belgium and France.

World Cups in the 1930s

Romania playing against Peru at the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay.

At the 1930 World Cup, Romania won their first match against Peru, 3–1, with goals from Adalbert Desu, Constantin Stanciu and Nicolae Kovács and Samuel Zauber as goalkeeper, before being thrashed 4–0 by hosts and eventual winners Uruguay.

Romania qualified for the next World Cup in 1934 after beating Yugoslavia 2–1 in a repeat of their first international. At the finals, Romania played only one game in a new knock-out format, losing 2–1 to Czechoslovakia in Trieste, Italy, with Ștefan Dobay scoring their only goal of the tournament.

Romania qualified by default for the 1938 World Cup after their qualifying playoff opponents Egypt withdrew. They suffered a shock defeat in the finals in France, losing to minnows Cuba, who, like Romania, had only qualified due to the withdrawal of their qualifying opponents, USA. The first match at the Stade Chapou in Toulouse ended 3–3 after extra time, but Cuba won the replay four days later 2–1.

1970 World Cup

Participation in the World Cup was finally achieved once again in 1970 in Mexico, although qualification came on the back of a 3–0 thrashing by Portugal in Lisbon and two unconvincing draws against unfancied Greece. Angelo Niculescu's promising side were given the toughest of draws, in Group 3 with holders England, giants Brazil and Czechoslovakia.

A Geoff Hurst goal gave England a narrow victory in Romania's first match at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara. Chances were improved with a 2–1 win over the Czechs. Despite going behind early to a Ladislav Petráš goal, Romania turned it around after half-time with Alexandru Neagu and Florea Dumitrache scoring to give them two vital points. Even then, only a win over the excellent Brazilians would take them into the Quarter Finals.

There were rumours before the match that Brazil might prefer Romania to progress than World Champions England; Despite beating them 1–0 in their previous match in Guadalajara, the South American giants still viewed England as one of their biggest obstacles to tournament victory. But Brazil played some of the best football of the competition, with Pelé scoring twice and a Jairzinho goal in between. Romania battled bravely; Dumitrache pulled the score back to 2–1 before the break and a late Emerich Dembrowski goal made it 3–2, but they were out.

1972 to 1978

On 26 September 1973, under new coach Valentin Stanescu, Romania suffered a significant defeat to East Germany in Leipzig. The East Germans won 2–0 to effectively seal their first ever qualification for the World Cup, which would be held over the border in West Germany. With East Germany scoring a predictable 4–1 win in Albania, Romania were out, despite a huge 9–0 win over Finland in Bucharest.

Romania continued to suffer poor form in the UEFA European Championship. In their qualifying group for the 1976 European Football Championship, they were out-qualified by Spain, despite an impressive 1–1 draw in the away match. Romania failed to win matches, drawing twice with Scotland and Spain and dropping points in Denmark with a dismal goalless draw.

Romania were again beat by Spain for a place in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. Despite a 1–0 win in Bucharest, Romania lost a bizarre match at home to Yugoslavia 6–4 having led 3–2 at half time. Spain won 1–0 in Belgrade to seal passage to South America.

1984 European Championship

Romania's sole successful qualifying campaign was for the European Championships in 1984 in France. At the finals, Romania were drawn with regular rivals Spain, holders West Germany and dark horses Portugal. Under head coach Mircea Lucescu, an encouraging opening game in Saint-Étienne saw them draw with the Spanish. Francisco José Carrasco opened the scoring from the penalty spot but Romania equalized before half time with a goal from Laszlo Bölöni.

Against the Germans in Lens, Marcel Coraș scored an equalizer in the first minute of the second half in response to Rudi Völler's opener, but Völler would score a winning goal. Their last match in Nantes was a must-win match, but Nené's late winner meant Portugal progressed with Spain, who netted a dramatic late winner against West Germany at the Parc des Princes in Paris.

Romania stuttered throughout the rest of the decade, but a stronger squad at the end of the decade saw them qualify for their fifth World Cup at Italia 90. A win over Denmark in their last match took Emerich Jenei's side to the finals for the first time in twenty years.

Golden Team era

1990 World Cup

Romania's squad was entirely domestic-based, despite an increasing trend for the major sides in Italy and Spain buying up the best foreign talent. Midfielder Ilie Dumitrescu, striker Florin Răducioiu and genius playmaker Gheorghe Hagi,were in the squad, but it was forward Gavril Balint who would prove the hero in the first round.

With World Champions Argentina stunned by Cameroon in the tournament's opening match, Romania did their chances no harm with a convincing win over the USSR at the San Nicola in Bari, with Marius Lăcătuș scoring in either half. The result was all the more impressive given the absence of Hagi. There was controversy, however, as Lăcătus's second was a penalty given for a handball by Vagiz Khidiatullin that television replays clearly showed to be some way outside the penalty area.

Romania were the next victims of Cameroon in Bari. Cult hero Roger Milla, 38 years of age, came on as a substitute for Emmanuel Maboang Kessack and scored twice, before Balint pulled one back. Romania needed a point in their last match against improving Argentina at the San Paolo in Naples. Pedro Monzón gave Argentina the lead after an hour, but Balint quickly equalized and Romania held on to reach Round 2.

Against Jack Charlton's Ireland side in Genoa, Romania didn't have the quality to break down a defensive opposition. Daniel Timofte was the only player to miss in the penalty shoot-out – his kick saved by Packie Bonner – and Romania were out.

1994 World Cup

Romania missed out on Euro 92. Scotland qualified after Romania drew a must-win last match in Sofia against Bulgaria, with Nasko Sirakov's equalizer sealing their fate.

They were successful, though, in reaching another World Cup in the United States in 1994. Despite losing in Belgium and suffering a heavy 5–2 defeat in Czechoslovakia, Romania went into their last match at Cardiff Arms Park with Wales needing a win to pip them to a place in the finals. Goals from Gheorghe Hagi and Dean Saunders meant the game was finely balanced, before Wales were awarded a penalty. Paul Bodin of Swindon Town stepped up but hit the woodwork and Romania went on to win 2–1, Răducioiu's late goal proving unnecessary as Czechoslovakia dropped a point in Belgium and were knocked out.

At the finals, Romania were one of the most entertaining teams in the early stages with Hagi, Răducioiu and Dumitrescu on form. Romania beat Colombia – dark horses and Pelé's tip for the tournament – at the Pasadena Rose Bowl in Los Angeles 3–1. All but 1 of Romania's games took place in California, and they were awarded the advantage of playing most of their games in Los Angeles. Răducioiu opened the scoring before Hagi scored a spectacular second from wide on the left touchline. Adolfo Valencia shredded their nerves with a headed goal just before half-time, but Romania held on and Răducioiu sealed the win with a late third.

In Detroit's indoor Pontiac Silverdome, the temperature soared due to the greenhouse effect in the indoor arena. Switzerland, acclimatized after having already played the hosts there, outran Romania in the second half and turned a 1–1 half time score into a surprising 4–1 win. Romania responded by beating the hosts 1–0 in Pasadena with an early Dan Petrescu goal.

In the Round of 16 knockout stage they faced Argentina in Los Angeles who were shorn of Diego Maradona who was thrown out of the tournament for taking drugs. Răducioiu, suspended, was hardly missed, as coach Anghel Iordănescu pushed Dumitrescu forward to play as a striker and the player responded by scoring twice in the first twenty minutes, one a superbly subtle left foot flick from a right-wing Hagi cross slotted between the Argentine defenders. In between, Gabriel Batistuta scored a penalty, but after half-time Romania netted a superb third on the counterattack, with Hagi beating goalkeeper Luis Islas. Abel Balbo pulled one back, but Romania held on for a shock win.

Romania would suffer penalty heartbreak again, in the Quarter Final against Sweden in San Francisco. With just thirteen minutes to go, a tight match opened up as Sweden's Thomas Brolin scored from a clever free-kick move, the ball passed outside the Romanian wall by Håkan Mild for Brolin to smash in. Iordănescu threw caution to the wind and the returning Răducioiu found a late equalizer, again from a free-kick move but this time down to a deflection and a failure of the Swedes to clear. In extra time Răducioiu scored again after a mistake by Patrik Andersson, but Sweden then scored their own late equalizer as giant striker Kennet Andersson climbed above goalkeeper Florin Prunea to head home a long ball. Prunea had come in after two matches to replace Bogdan Stelea, whose confidence was shattered by the 4–1 loss to the Swiss. In the shoot-out, Dan Petrescu and Miodrag Belodedici had their kicks saved by Thomas Ravelli and Sweden went through.

Euro 96

In England, Romania arrived as a highly thought-of and popular team but had a nightmare. Iordănescu's side were based in the north east, with their first two games at St James' Park in Newcastle. Against France, they lost to a Christophe Dugarry header reminiscent of Kennet Andersson's two years earlier, beating the goalkeeper to a lofted through ball. An early goal from Bulgaria striker Hristo Stoichkov at St James' Park put Romania on the back foot in Euro 96, but Dorinel Munteanu appeared to have kept Romania in the match – and in the tournament – with a thunderbolt that hit the bar, bounced over the line, and back out. Referee Peter Mikkelsen merely waved play on, however, and Romania went on to lose the game 1–0 a defeat which sent them out of the tournament. English manager Harry Redknapp was in the crowd that day, and later said that it convinced him there and then that goal-line technology was needed in football. Romania finally scored in their last game, Florin Răducioiu equalizing an early goal by Spain's Javier Manjarín. Spain had to win to qualify with France at the expense of Bulgaria and did so when Guillermo Amor stooped to head a late winner. Romania exited in total shame, with no points and tons of regrets of what could have been.

1998 World Cup

Despite a dreadful Euro 96, Romania impressed in qualifying, finishing ten points clear of Ireland and were seeded for the final tournament of the 1998 World Cup thanks to their strong USA 94 showing. Despite being drawn in a group with England, getting through it was perceived to be easy work with a waning Colombia and minnows Tunisia.

Adrian Ilie scored the only goal with a fine chip in their first match against Colombia at Lyon's Stade Gerland. In Toulouse, they met an England side starting with prodigal striker Michael Owen on the bench, with Teddy Sheringham preferred alongside Alan Shearer. A mistake by Tony Adams was punished by Viorel Moldovan, who played for Coventry City, before Owen came on to claim an equalizer. But Romania won with a wonderful late goal from Dan Petrescu, also playing in England with Chelsea, fighting off his club mate Graeme le Saux and nutmegging goalkeeper David Seaman.

The next match was against Tunisia. Romania decided to bleach their hair before the match. Despite England v Colombia being the more decisive game, the Stade de France in Paris was an 80,000 sell out and the crowd were nearly rewarded with a shock as Skander Souayah scored an early penalty to give the north Africans the lead. Romania needed a point to win the group and, crucially, avoid Argentina in Round 2, and got it when Moldovan volleyed a late equalizer. It did them little good, however, as in the Round of 16 match at Bordeaux against Croatia, Davor Šuker scored a twice-taken penalty and Romania were out.

Euro 2000

Romania had a strong qualifying campaign, winning a tough Group 7 with Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein. The Romanians impressed, never losing and winning 7 times, including a big upset in Porto, defeating Portugal thanks to a late goal scored by Munteanu. In Bucharest the score was 1–1.

In the 2000 European Championship disputed in Belgium and the Netherlands, Romania was facing a very difficult group against 1996 champions Germany, semifinalists England and powerful Portugal, which was also an opponent in the qualifications. The chances for the Romanians to qualify through quarter-finals were seen as slim.

However, Romania started brightly against the Germans in Liège, with Moldovan scoring from close range. A long-range Mehmet Scholl equalizer meant they had to be content with a point and their position looked shaky after Costinha headed a last minute winner for Portugal in their second match.

Emerich Jenei, back as coach, threw caution to the wind in the last match in Charleroi against England, a match which Romania had to win. Defender Cristian Chivu's cross went in off the post in the 22nd minute but, despite Romania dominating, England led at half-time through an Alan Shearer penalty and a late Michael Owen goal after he rounded Bogdan Stelea to score a tap-in, both in the last five minutes of the half. Romania attacked after the break and were quickly rewarded; Dorinel Munteanu punishing a poor punch from Nigel Martyn, a late replacement for the injured Seaman to equalize three minutes after the restart. England cracked under the pressure. Unable to retain possession or pose an attacking threat, they fell deep and late on Phil Neville, playing out of position at left-back, conceded a penalty scored by Ioan Ganea in the 89th minute.

Romania's relief was tempered by tough opposition in the last eight, and Italy, who would end up seconds from being crowned European champions in an agonizing final, comfortably saw them off 2–0 in Brussels. Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi scoring towards the end of the first half. In the 35th minute Hagi, in his final international tournament, hit the woodwork with goalkeeper Francesco Toldo stranded off his line and, after the break, was sent off for diving. Romania's tournament was over and Jenei left his job as coach again.

2000s – Near Misses

Romania failed to qualify for the next three major tournaments. They drew Slovenia, who had been surprise qualifiers for Euro 2000 in a playoff for a place in the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. A narrow 2–1 deficit – having led through a Marius Niculae goal – after the first leg in Ljubljana was not irretrievable. With fans' hero Gheorghe Hagi now coaching the side they were confident of getting the win they needed in Bucharest against the Balkan upstarts, but Slovenia took the lead before the hour through Mladen Rudonja. Right wing-back Cosmin Contra quickly equalized but Romania could not find the goal they needed to force extra time and Slovenia, with maverick manager Srečko Katanec, were in a major tournament again.

Euro 2004

Romania were confident of qualifying for the tournament, drawn in Group 2 with seeds Denmark, Norway, Bosnia-Herzegovina and minnows Luxembourg,with Anghel Iordanescu back as their coach. Despite a good start – a 3–0 win away to Bosnia in Sarajevo, Romania stuttered. Steffen Iversen's late goal gave Norway a surprise win in Bucharest and they were stunned at home by the Danes, 5–2, with Thomas Gravesen scoring a spectacular goal from around fifty yards out, despite leading twice. They recovered slightly, completing a double over the Bosnians and getting a point in Oslo, but conceded a cutting injury time equalizer in Denmark to draw 2–2. It was decisive, as they now required Norway to fail to win at home to Luxembourg to stand any realistic chance of qualifying. Eventually, the Danes got a point in Bosnia to scrape through a tight group, with Norway going to a play-off with Spain.

2006 World Cup

Romania were put in a massive group for the qualifying tournament for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. The Netherlands and Czech Republic were favourite to qualify, then ranked first and second in Europe. Early wins over Finland and Macedonia were unconvincing, and they were some way behind the two leaders by the time they earned a good 2–0 home win over the Czechs. Despite a record of eight wins, three losses, and one draw they finished third behind the Dutch and the Czechs and missed out on another major tournament.

Euro 2008

Romania were drawn in a group with group favourites the Netherlands and tough opponents Bulgaria for the UEFA Euro 2008 Qualifying. Romania, however, had a good qualifying campaign, losing only away against Bulgaria and beating the Netherlands 1–0 at home with a goal scored by Dorin Goian from a suspicious off-side position, not seen by the Greek referee Kyros Vassaras. On 17 October 2007, Romania became the fourth team to qualify for Euro 2008. This was the team's first big championships since Euro 2000, eight years before. Victor Pițurcă also qualified Romania for Euro 2000, only to sit back and let Emerich Jenei coach the team in the final tournament. This time, however, he stayed. It was the first time he coached a national team in the final stages of a tournament.

They were drawn in the so-called "Group of Death" with their old "friends" the Netherlands (they played each other both in the Euro 2008 qualifying group and in the 2006 World Cup qualifying group), Italy, the 2006 FIFA World Cup winners and France, runners-up in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. They started with a 0–0 draw against a lackluster France while world champions Italy were soundly beaten by the Netherlands, 3–0. In their next game against Italy, Adrian Mutu, playing for Italian club ACF Fiorentina, opened the scoring early in the second half. Their lead was a very short one, as Christian Panucci scored a minute later, with the aid of a corner kick. Nearing the end of the match, Daniel Niculae obtained a penalty for his team, but Gianluigi Buffon saved the shot from Mutu, leaving Romania with two points and needing a win against the Netherlands, who eradicated France 4–1 on the same evening. The Netherlands beat Romania 2–0 in the final game of the group, which meant that Italy joined the Netherlands in the quarter finals and Romania finished 3rd, ahead of France.

2010 World Cup

Romanian fans at Arena Națională

Romania were drawn into the UEFA qualifying round for the 2010 FIFA World Cup along with France, with whom they played at the UEFA Euro 2008, Serbia, Austria, Lithuania and the Faroe Islands. Although Romania were seeded in the second pot, suggesting that they were a strong challenge for the first place in the group, they eventually finished fifth, above only Faroe Islands. Their campaign was a disaster that began with a 3–0 home loss to Lithuania and included a 5–0 trashing at Belgrade by Serbia. Furthermore, various problems were caused during the poor campaign, such as the retirement from international football of Cosmin Contra, Mirel Rădoi and Adrian Mutu (the latter would be later called again after a year). Also, coach Victor Pițurcă resigned and was replaced by the son of well-known Romanian coach Mircea Lucescu, Răzvan Lucescu.

Recent years

Euro 2012

In qualifying for the Euro 2012 Romania was drawn into Group D along with France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belarus, Albania, and Luxembourg. Although the team initially seemed prepared to continue their awful form from their disastrous World Cup campaign, beginning with a 1–1 draw with Pot 5 members Albania and following up with a goalless draw with Belarus and a pair of losses to France and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the team was able to rebound somewhat and register their first two victories. The first was an expected win against Luxembourg but the second was an important win in the rematch versus Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their last good result came when they battled group favorite France to a goalless draw, before ending the campaign the way they began – two disappointing draws with Albania and Belarus. They finished qualification in a distant third place and only one point ahead of Belarus.

2014 World Cup

Romania were drawn into the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying round with old rivals Netherlands, as well as Turkey, Hungary, Estonia and Andorra. Romania, Turkey and Hungary were expected to battle it out for second place behind the Netherlands. They made an impressive start with a 2–0 away win in Estonia followed by a 4–0 win at home against modest Andorra and another away win in Turkey (1–0). After that, it was defeated by Netherlands, both at home and away, and managed to secure only a draw in Hungary, in between. Romania started the last part of the campaign with a victory at home, against Hungary, but was defeated by Turkey. The last two match days were decisive, with Romania securing its place in the Play-off with two wins, against Andorra and Estonia, while the rivals, Turkey and Hungary, were both defeated by the winner of the group, Netherlands. Romania were drawn to play Greece for a place in the world cup finals, but a 3–1 loss in Greece and a 1–1 home draw ended their run.

Euro 2016

For the qualifying stage of the 2016 Euro Romania was drawn into Group F along with Greece, Hungary, Finland, Northern Ireland, and the Faroe Islands. Romania began their first successful qualification campaign since 2008 with a win over group favorite Greece before following up with a 1–1 draw with Pot 2 member Hungary and a 2–0 win over Finland. Despite the initial success, Romania decided to part with coach Victor Pițurcă due to mutual consent. Anghel Iordănescu came out of retirement to return to coach Romania for a third time. Under Iordănescu Romania was able to follow up with comfortable 2–0 win over surprise force Northern Ireland and, despite a disappointing 1–0 win over the Faroe Islands and a 0–0 draw in the return game against Northern Ireland, Romania remained on top of Group F, 1 point above Northern Ireland and 3 points above 3rd placed Hungary. However, after a goalless draw in the match against Hungary in Budapest, the team fell back on the second place, 1 point behind Northern Ireland and 3 above Hungary, still placed third. Following a 1–1 draw clinched in overtime at home against Finland, they have secured their spot at the final tournament in the last game after a confident 3–0 win in Faroe Islands. Romania finished the qualification group second, one point behind group winners Northern Ireland, completing their first successful qualification campaign in 8 years undefeated after five wins and five draws.

2018 World Cup

For the qualification round, Romania was drawn in Group E, being in Pot 1 for the first time after a long time. The two strongest opponents will be Denmark, although Romania won 2–0 in a match played on Arena Națională in November 2014; and Poland, as Poland is rising stronger through time and time thanks for Robert Lewandowski. The other opponents are Montenegro, Armenia and Kazakhstan. The matches will start on 4 September 2016.

Rivalries

Romania has a long-standing rivalry with their neighbours, Hungary. The rivalry between the two nations dates back centuries. Hostilities were seen in 2014 World Cup qualifying and UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying.The matches between the two teams usually end with fights between the supporters of the two teams.

Stadium

Romania national team plays its home games at Arena Națională, the biggest stadium in the country, built in 2011 and with a capacity of 55,600 places.

The National Stadium is a Category 4 venue and as such, it hosted the UEFA Europa League 2011–12 final between Atlético de Madrid and Athletic Club

Some friendly matches or minor FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Football Championship qualification matches are played at other venues.

Former national stadium which held 60,120 places was completely demolished at the end of 2007. The last football match played was a 6–1 win against Albania on 21 November 2007.

A Panorama view of the National Stadium

Honours

• FIFA World Cup
  • Quarter-Final (1): 1994
• UEFA European Football Championship
  • Quarter-Final (1): 2000
• Football at the Summer Olympics
  • Quarter-Final (1): 1964
• Football at the Summer Universiade
  • Bronze Medal (1): 1979
• Balkan Cup:
  • Winners (4): 1929–31, 1933, 1936, 1977–80
  • Runners-up (1): 1973–76

Kit history

WC 1930–1934 Home[2][2]

WC 1938 Home[3]

WC 1970 Home

WC 1970 Away

Euro 1984 Home

Euro 1984 Away

WC 1990 Home

WC 1990 Away

WC 1994 Home

WC 1994 Away

1996 Home

WC 1998 Home

WC 1998 Away

2000 Home

2006 Home

2008 Home

2008 Away

2010 Home

2010 Away

2012 Home

2012 Away

2014 Home

2014 Away

2015 Home

2015 Away

Kit suppliers

Kit provider	Period
Le Coq Sportif	1977–1983
Adidas	1984–2015
Joma	2015–2018

Romania's kit are currently supplied by Spanish company Joma replacing Adidas, a German sportswear brand, that replaced Le Coq Sportif in 1984.

Media coverage

Romania's qualifying matches and friendlies are currently televised on TVR 1. Digi Sport also broadcasts the games from the European Championship qualifying stage, but only recorded pictures.

Between 2008 and 2014, Antena 1 had the rights to broadcast Romania's home games, friendlies and officials.

Competitive record

World Cup record      Champions       Runners-up       Third Place       Fourth Place   FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup Qualification record Year Round Position Pld W D * L GF GA Position Pld W D * L GF GA 1930 Group Stage 8th 2 1 0 1 3 5 Qualified as invitees 1934 Round 1 12th 1 0 0 1 1 2 2 2 1 0 1 2 3 1938 9th 2 0 1 1 4 5 Egypt withdrew[4] 1950 Did not enter 1954 Did Not Qualify 2 4 2 0 2 5 5 1958 2 4 2 1 1 6 4 1962 Withdrew 1966 3 6 3 0 3 9 7 1970 Group Stage 11th 3 1 0 2 4 5 1 6 3 2 1 7 6 1974 Did Not Qualify 2 6 4 1 1 17 4 1978 2 4 2 0 2 7 8 1982 3 8 2 4 2 5 5 1986 3 8 3 3 2 12 7 1990 Round of 16 12th 4 1 2(1*) 1 4 3 1 6 4 1 1 10 5 1994 Quarter-Finals 6th 5 3 1* 1 10 9 1 10 7 1 2 29 12 1998 Round of 16 11th 4 2 1 1 4 3 1 10 9 1 0 37 4 2002 Did Not Qualify Playoffs 10 5 2 3 12 10 2006 3 12 8 1 3 20 10 2010 5 10 3 3 4 12 18 2014 Playoffs 12 6 2 4 21 16 2018 TBD - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2022 TBD - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Total Quarter-Finals 7/20 21 8 5 8 30 32 Total 118 54 22 42 211 124 ^* *Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. Darker color indicates win, normal color indicates loss. European Championship UEFA European Football Championship record UEFA European Football Championship Qualification record Year Round Pld W D * L GF GA Position Pld W D * L GF GA 1960 Did Not Qualify Quarterfinals 4 1 0 3 3 7 1964 Preliminary round 2 1 0 1 3 7 1968 First round 6 3 0 3 18 14 1972 Quarterfinals 9 4 3 2 15 7 1976 First round 6 1 5 0 11 6 1980 3 6 2 2 2 9 8 1984 Group Stage 3 0 1 2 2 4 1 8 5 2 1 9 3 1988 Did Not Qualify 2 6 4 1 1 13 3 1992 3 8 4 2 2 13 7 1996 Group Stage 3 0 0 3 1 4 1 10 6 3 1 18 9 2000 Quarter-Finals 4 1 1 2 4 6 1 10 7 3 0 25 3 2004 Did Not Qualify 3 8 4 2 2 21 9 2008 Group Stage 3 0 2 1 1 3 1 12 9 2 1 26 7 2012 Did Not Qualify 3 10 3 5 2 13 9 2016 Qualified 2 10 5 5 0 11 2 Total 5/14 13 1 4 8 8 17 Total 115 49 35 31 188 121 ^* Denotes draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks. Summer Olympics Football at the Summer Olympics was first played officially in 1908. The Olympiads between 1896 and 1980 was only open for amateur players. The 1984 and 1988 tournaments were open to players with no appearances in the FIFA World Cup. After the 1988 Olympics, the football event was changed into a tournament for U23 or U21 teams with a maximum of three older players. See Romania national under-21 football team for competition record from 1992 until present day. Year Round GP W D* L GS GA 1900 to 1920 Did not enter - - - - - - 1924 Round 2 1 0 0 1 0 6 1928 to 1948 Did not qualify - - - - - - 1952 Preliminary round 1 0 0 1 1 2 1956 to 1960 Did not qualify - - - - - - 1964 Quarterfinals 4 2 1 1 5 4 1968 to 1976 Did not qualify - - - - - - 1980 to 1988 Did not enter - - - - - - Total 3/24 6 2 1 3 6 12 Schedule UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Qualification 1  Northern Ireland 10 6 3 1 16 8 +8 21 Qualify for final tournament — 0–0 1–1 2–1 2–0 3–1 2  Romania 10 5 5 0 11 2 +9 20 2–0 — 1–1 1–1 1–0 0–0 3  Hungary 10 4 4 2 11 9 +2 16 Advance to Play-offs 1–2 0–0 — 1–0 2–1 0–0 4  Finland 10 3 3 4 9 10 −1 12 1–1 0–2 0–1 — 1–0 1–1 5  Faroe Islands 10 2 0 8 6 17 −11 6 1–3 0–3 0–1 1–3 — 2–1 6  Greece 10 1 3 6 7 14 −7 6 0–2 0–1 4–3 0–1 0–1 — Source: UEFA Rules for classification: Qualification tiebreakers FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifying {{2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group E table |show_matches=yes}} Results and fixtures Recent results within last 12 months and upcoming fixtures. Northern Ireland  v  Romania 13 June 2015 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification Northern Ireland  0–0  Romania Belfast, Northern Ireland 21:45 UTC+03:00 Report Stadium: Windsor Park Attendance: 10,000 Referee: Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) Hungary  v  Romania 4 September 2015 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification Hungary  0–0  Romania Budapest, Hungary 21:45 UTC+03:00 Report Stadium: Groupama Aréna Attendance: 20,000 Referee: Felix Brych (Germany) Romania  v  Greece 7 September 2015 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification Romania  0–0  Greece Bucharest, Romania 21:45 UTC+03:00 Report Stadium: Arena Națională Attendance: 38,153 Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus) Romania  v  Finland 8 October 2015 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification Romania  1–1  Finland Bucharest, Romania 21:45 UTC+03:00 Hoban  90+1' Report Pohjanpalo  67' Stadium: Arena Națională Attendance: 47,987[5] Referee: Craig Thomson (Scotland) Faroe Islands  v  Romania 11 October 2015 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification Faroe Islands  0–3  Romania Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 19:00 UTC+03:00 Report Budescu  4 ', 45+1' Maxim  83' Stadium: Tórsvøllur Attendance: 3,941 Referee: Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia) Italy  v  Romania 17 November 2015 Friendly Italy  2–2  Romania Bologna, Italy 21:45 UTC+02:00 Marchisio  55' (pen.) Gabbiadini  66' Report Stancu  8' Andone  89' Stadium: Stadio Renato Dall'Ara Attendance: 22,511 Referee: Adrien Jaccottet (Switzerland) Romania  v  Lithuania 23 March 2016 Friendly Romania  1–0  Lithuania Giurgiu, Romania 20:00 UTC+02:00 Stanciu  65' Report Stadium: Stadionul Marin Anastasovici Attendance: 4,368 Referee: David Fernández Borbalán (Spain) Romania  v  Spain 27 March 2016 Friendly Romania  0–0  Spain Cluj-Napoca, Romania 20:45 GMT Report Stadium: Cluj Arena Attendance: 28,000 Referee: Ruddy Buquet (France) Romania  v  DR Congo 25 May 2016 Friendly Romania  v  DR Congo Saint-Vincent, Italy Romania  v  Ukraine 29 May 2016 Friendly Romania  v  Ukraine Turin, Italy Stadium: Stadio Olimpico di Torino Romania  v  Georgia 3 June 2016 Friendly Romania  v  Georgia TBD, Romania France  v  Romania 10 June 2016 UEFA Euro 2016 Group A France  v  Romania Saint-Denis, France 21:00 CET Stadium: Stade de France Romania  v   Switzerland 15 June 2016 UEFA Euro 2016 Group A Romania  v   Switzerland Paris, France 18:00 CET Stadium: Parc des Princes Romania  v  Albania 19 June 2016 UEFA Euro 2016 Group A Romania  v  Albania Lyon, France 21:00 CET Stadium: Stade des Lumières Romania  v  Montenegro 4 September 2016 2018 FIFA WC qualification Romania  v  Montenegro TBD, Romania UTC+02:00 Report Armenia  v  Romania 8 October 2016 2018 FIFA WC qualification Armenia  v  Romania TBD, Armenia UTC+02:00 Report Kazakhstan  v  Romania 11 October 2016 2018 FIFA WC qualification Kazakhstan  v  Romania TBD, Kazakhstan UTC+02:00 Report Romania  v  Poland 11 November 2016 2018 FIFA WC qualification Romania  v  Poland TBD, Romania UTC+02:00 Report Romania  v  Denmark 26 March 2017 2018 FIFA WC qualification Romania  v  Denmark TBD, Romania UTC+02:00 Report Stadium: Arena Națională Coaching staff Head coach Anghel Iordănescu Assistant coaches Viorel Moldovan, Daniel Isăilă, Ionuț Badea Goalkeepers coach Dumitru Moraru Fitness coach Marian Dima Team doctor Pompiliu Popescu Masseur Claudiu Costin Players Current squad The following players were called up for the friendly matches against Lithuania on 23 March 2016 and Spain on 27 March 2015. Caps and goals as of 27 March 2016 after the game against Spain. 0#0 Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club 12 GK Ciprian Tătărușanu 9 February 1986 34 0 Fiorentina 1 GK Costel Pantilimon 1 February 1987 21 0 Watford 23 GK Silviu Lung Jr. 4 June 1989 3 0 Astra Giurgiu 6 DF Vlad Chiricheș (Captain) 14 November 1989 38 0 Napoli 21 DF Dragoș Grigore 7 September 1986 18 0 Al-Sailiya 2 DF Alexandru Mățel 17 October 1989 15 0 Dinamo Zagreb 15 DF Valerică Găman 25 February 1989 12 1 Astra Giurgiu 22 DF Cristian Săpunaru 5 April 1984 11 0 Pandurii Târgu Jiu 4 DF Cosmin Moți 3 December 1984 7 0 Ludogorets Razgrad 3 DF Steliano Filip 15 May 1994 3 0 Dinamo București 26 DF Alin Toșca 14 March 1992 1 0 Steaua București 11 MF Gabriel Torje 22 November 1989 47 9 Osmanlıspor 8 MF Mihai Pintilii 9 November 1984 28 1 Steaua București 5 MF Ovidiu Hoban 27 December 1982 18 1 Hapoel Be'er Sheva 17 MF Lucian Sânmărtean 13 March 1980 18 0 Al-Ittihad 7 MF Adrian Popa 24 July 1988 11 0 Steaua București 14 MF Adrian Ropotan 8 May 1986 6 0 Pandurii Târgu Jiu 10 MF Nicolae Stanciu 7 May 1993 2 1 Steaua București 20 MF Florin Tănase 30 December 1994 2 0 Viitorul Constanța 19 FW Bogdan Stancu 28 June 1987 38 9 Gençlerbirliği 13 FW Claudiu Keșerü 2 December 1986 10 4 Ludogorets Razgrad 24 FW Raul Rusescu 9 July 1988 10 1 Osmanlıspor 9 FW Florin Andone 11 April 1993 5 1 Córdoba 25 FW Andrei Ivan 4 January 1997 3 0 CSU Craiova 18 FW Ioan Hora 21 August 1988 1 0 Pandurii Târgu Jiu Recent call-ups The following players have been called up for the team within the last 12 months. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up GK Cristian Bălgrădean 21 March 1988 1 0 Concordia Chiajna v.  Northern Ireland, 13 June 2015 DF László Sepsi 7 June 1986 4 0 Nürnberg v.  Lithuania, 23 March 2016^INJ DF Răzvan Raț 26 May 1981 108 2 Rayo Vallecano v.  Italy, 17 November 2015 DF Paul Papp 11 November 1989 18 3 Steaua București v.  Faroe Islands, 11 October 2015 DF Dorin Goian 12 December 1980 59 5 Asteras Tripoli v.  Greece, 7 September 2015 DF Iasmin Latovlevici 11 May 1986 8 0 Gençlerbirliği v.  Hungary, 4 September 2015 DF Gabriel Tamaș 9 November 1983 65 3 Steaua București v.  Northern Ireland, 13 June 2015 DF Bogdan Vătăjelu 24 April 1993 0 0 CSU Craiova v.  Northern Ireland, 13 June 2015 DF Florin Gardoș 29 October 1988 13 0 Southampton v.  Northern Ireland, 13 June 2015 ^INJ MF Alexandru Maxim 8 July 1990 26 2 VfB Stuttgart v.  Italy, 17 November 2015 MF Andrei Prepeliță 8 December 1985 6 0 Ludogorets Razgrad v.  Italy, 17 November 2015 MF Vlad Achim 7 April 1989 0 0 Voluntari v.  Italy, 17 November 2015 MF Alexandru Chipciu 18 May 1989 19 3 Steaua București v.  Faroe Islands, 11 October 2015 MF Claudiu Bumba 5 January 1994 1 0 Hapoel Tel Aviv v.  Greece, 7 September 2015 MF Eric Bicfalvi 5 February 1988 1 0 Dinamo București v.  Northern Ireland, 13 June 2015 FW Constantin Budescu 19 February 1989 4 2 Dalian Yifang v.  Italy, 17 November 2015 FW Denis Alibec 5 January 1991 1 0 Astra Giurgiu v.  Faroe Islands, 11 October 2015 Notes ^INJ = Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury ^RET = Player who retired from national team Most capped players As of 18 November 2015, the ten players with the most caps for Romania are:[6][7] # Player Career Caps Goals Ref 1 Dorinel Munteanu 1991–2007 134 16 [8] 2 Gheorghe Hagi 1983–2000 124 35 [9] 3 Gheorghe Popescu 1988–2003 115 16 [10] 4 Răzvan Raț 2002–0000 108 2 [11] 5 Ladislau Bölöni 1975–1988 102 23 [12] 6 Dan Petrescu 1989–2000 95 12 [13] 7 Bogdan Stelea 1988–2005 91 0 [14] 8 Michael Klein 1981–1991 89 5 [15] 9 Bogdan Lobonț 1998–2014 85 0 [16] 10 Marius Lăcătuș 1984–1998 83 13 [17] Mircea Rednic 1981–1991 83 2 [18] Top goalscorers As of 14 November 2014, the ten players with the most goals for Romania are: # Player Career Goals Caps Average Ref 1 Gheorghe Hagi 1983–2000 35 124 0.28 [9] Adrian Mutu 2000–2013 35 77 0.45 [19] 3 Iuliu Bodola 1931–1939 31 48 0.64 [20] 4 Ciprian Marica 2003–0000 25 72 0.34 [21] Viorel Moldovan 1993–2005 25 70 0.35 [22] 6 Ladislau Bölöni 1975–1988 23 102 0.22 [12] 7 Rodion Cămătaru 1978–1990 21 73 0.28 [23] Dudu Georgescu 1973–1984 21 40 0.52 [24] Anghel Iordănescu 1971–1981 21 57 0.36 [25] Florin Răducioiu 1990–1996 21 40 0.52 [26] Youngest debutants As of 7 June 2014, the five youngest debutants for Romania are: # Player Age Match Year Ref 1 Cristian Manea 16 years, 9 months and 22 days Romania – Albania 1–0 2014 [27] 2 Grațian Sepi 17 years, 3 months and 15 days Romania – Turkey 4–2 1928 [27] 3 Ilie Balaci 17 years, 6 months and 10 days France – Romania 1–0 1974 [27] 4 Nicolae Kovács 17 years, 8 months and 17 days Bulgaria – Romania 2–3 1929 [27] 5 Gheorghe Popescu I 17 years, 10 months and 14 days Romania – Belgium 2–1 1937 [28] Past managers Teofil Moraru 1922–1923 Costel Rădulescu 1923 Adrian Suciu 1923–1924 Teofil Moraru 1924–1928 Costel Rădulescu 1928–1934 Josef Uridil 1934 Alexandru Săvulescu 1934–1935 Costel Rădulescu 1935–1938 Alexandru Săvulescu 1938 Liviu Iuga 1938–1939 Virgil Economu 1939–1940 Liviu Iuga 1940 Virgil Economu 1941–1942 Jean Lăpușneanu 1942–1943 Emerich Vogl 1942–1943 Coloman Braun-Bogdan 1945 Virgil Economu 1946 Colea Vâlcov 1947 Emerich Vogl 1947 Francisc Ronnay 1947 Emerich Vogl 1947 Colea Vâlcov 1948 Petre Steinbach 1948 Iuliu Baratky 1948 Emerich Vogl 1948 Colea Vâlcov 1949 Emerich Vogl 1949 Ion Mihăilescu 1949 Gheorghe Albu 1950 Volodea Vâlcov 1950 Emerich Vogl 1950–1951 Gheorghe Popescu I 1951–1957 Augustin Botescu 1958–1960 Gheorghe Popescu I 1961 Constantin Teașcă 1962 Gheorghe Popescu I 1962 Silviu Ploeșteanu 1962–1964 Valentin Stănescu 1964 Silviu Ploeșteanu 1964 Ilie Oană 1965–1966 Valentin Stănescu 1967 Ilie Oană 1967 Angelo Niculescu 1967 Constantin Teașcă 1967 Angelo Niculescu 1967–1970 Valentin Stănescu 1971 Angelo Niculescu 1971 Valentin Stănescu 1971 Angelo Niculescu 1971 Valentin Stănescu 1971 Angelo Niculescu 1971 Gheorghe Ola 1972 Angelo Niculescu 1972 Gheorghe Ola 1972 Angelo Niculescu 1972 Gheorghe Ola 1972 Valentin Stănescu 1973–1975 Cornel Drăgușin 1975 Stefan Kovacs 1976–1979 Florin Halagian 1979 Constantin Cernăianu 1979 Stefan Kovacs 1980 Valentin Stănescu 1980–1981 Mircea Lucescu 1981–1986 Emerich Jenei 1986–1990 Gheorghe Constantin 1990 Mircea Rădulescu 1990–1992 Cornel Dinu 1992–1993 Anghel Iordănescu 1993–1998 Victor Pițurcă 1998–1999 Emerich Jenei 2000 Ladislau Bölöni 2000–2001 Gheorghe Hagi 2001–2002 Anghel Iordănescu 2002–2004 Victor Pițurcă 2005–2009 Răzvan Lucescu 2009–2011 Victor Pițurcă 2011–2014 Romania national football team head to head Last match updated was against  Spain on 28 March 2016. Against Played Won Drawn Lost % Won  Albania 16 11 3 2 68.75%  Algeria 5 1 2 2 20%  Andorra 4 4 0 0 100%  Argentina 6 1 2 3 16.67%  Armenia 3 2 1 0 66.67%  Australia 1 1 0 0 100%  Austria 10 3 5 2 30%  Azerbaijan 4 4 0 0 100%  Belarus 4 2 2 0 50%  Belgium 12 5 2 5 41.67%  Bolivia 1 1 0 0 100%  Bosnia and Herzegovina 4 3 0 1 75%  Brazil 3 0 0 3 0%  Bulgaria 33 9 6 18 27.27%  Cameroon 1 0 0 1 0%  Chile 1 1 0 0 100%  China PR 2 2 0 0 100%  Colombia 3 2 1 0 66.67%  Ivory Coast 1 0 0 1 0%  Croatia 4 0 1 3 0%  Cuba 2 0 1 1 0%  Cyprus 13 9 3 1 69.23%  Czechoslovakia 32 7 8 17 21.88%  Czech Republic 2 1 0 1 50%  Denmark 9 4 2 3 44.44%  Ecuador 1 0 0 1 0%  Egypt 6 3 2 1 50%  England 11 3 6 2 27.27%  Estonia 4 3 0 1 75%  Faroe Islands 6 6 0 0 100%  Finland 10 7 3 0 70%  France 15 3 5 7 20%  Georgia 6 4 2 0 66.67%  Germany 13 2 3 8 15.38%  East Germany 16 5 3 8 31.25%  Greece 34 18 10 6 52.94%  Honduras 1 1 0 0 100%  Hungary 26 6 8 12 23.08%  Iceland 2 2 0 0 100%  Iran 2 0 2 0 0%  Iraq 2 0 2 0 0%  Republic of Ireland 5 1 2 2 20%  Israel 20 10 5 5 50%  Italy 17 2 5 10 11.76%  Japan 4 3 1 0 75%  Latvia 5 4 1 0 80%  Liechtenstein 4 4 0 0 100%  Lithuania 11 10 0 1 90.91%  Luxembourg 6 6 0 0 100%  Macedonia 5 4 0 1 80%  Mexico 2 1 0 1 50%  Moldova 3 3 0 0 100%  Montenegro 1 1 0 0 100%  Morocco 3 2 0 1 66.67%  Nigeria 2 2 0 0 100%  Netherlands 13 1 3 9 7.69%  Northern Ireland 6 2 1 3 33.33%  Norway 11 4 5 2 36.36%  Paraguay 2 1 0 1 50%  Peru 5 2 2 1 40%  Poland 33 14 15 4 42.42%  Portugal 11 4 2 5 36.36%  Russia 1 1 0 0 100%  San Marino 3 3 0 0 100%  Serbia 4 1 0 3 25%  Scotland 6 2 2 2 33.33%  Slovakia 11 5 5 1 45.45%  Slovenia 8 3 3 2 37.5%  South Korea 1 1 0 0 100%  Soviet Union 9 3 2 4 33.33%  Spain 16 5 6 5 31.25%  Sweden 8 2 3 3 25%   Switzerland 12 5 3 4 41.67%  Trinidad and Tobago 1 1 0 0 100%  Tunisia 1 0 1 0 0%  Turkey 25 13 7 5 52%  Turkmenistan 1 1 0 0 100%  Ukraine 5 3 1 1 60%  United Arab Emirates 1 0 0 1 0%  United States 4 2 1 1 50%  Uruguay 5 1 2 2 20%  Wales 5 3 1 1 60%  Yugoslavia 37 15 5 17 40.54%  Zaire 1 0 1 0 0% Total 665 296 170 199 44.51% See also Romania national football team results List of Romania national football team captains Romania national under-23 football team Romania national under-21 football team Romania national under-20 football team Romania national under-19 football team Romania national under-17 football team Romania women's national football team Romania national beach soccer team Romania national futsal team Sport in Romania Hungary-Romania football rivalry References "Yugoslavia 1 Romania 2". eu-football. 8 June 1922. Retrieved 1 November 2010. Archived February 1, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. "FIFA World Cup 1938 – Historical Football Kits". Historicalkits.co.uk. Retrieved 2015-10-11. Egypt were to play Romania in December 1937 in the qualification round, however Egypt refused to play Romania during the Ramadan month, and as a result, Egypt were withdrawn from the competition by FIFA, so Romania qualified automatically. Au fost 47.987 de fani! "Selectii la nationala Romaniei – Peste 100". Statistici Fotbal. "Selectii la nationala Romaniei – 50–99 selectii". Statistici Fotbal. "Dorinel Munteanu". FRF. "Gheorghe Hagi". FRF. "Gheorghe Popescu". FRF. "Răzvan Raț". FRF. "László Bölöni". FRF. "Dan Petrescu". FRF. "Bogdan Stelea". FRF. "Michael Klein". FRF. "Bogdan Lobonț". FRF. "Marius Lăcătuș". FRF. "Mircea Rednic". FRF. "Adrian Mutu". FRF. "Iuliu Bodola". FRF. "Ciprian Marica". FRF. "Viorel Moldovan". FRF. "Rodion Cămătaru". FRF. "Dudu Georgescu". FRF. "Anghel Iordănescu". FRF. "Florin Răducioiu". FRF. "An 86 year old record was beaten,Criatian Manea became the youngest tricolour in history". gsp.ro. "An emotionant dialog with the youngest debutant at the national team in the last 4 decades:"I want number 10!"". gsp.ro. External links Official website RomanianSoccer.ro – Romanian National Team Archive Romania national team /details 1922–/ RSSSF archive of results 1922–2006 RSSSF archive of most capped players and highest goalscorers RSSSF archive of coaches 1922–1999