The European Championships has not traditionally been a happy hunting ground for one of Eastern Europe's most skilful sides over the past two decades. Having qualified for only France in 1984 and Euro '96 in England, Romania had failed to get past the first round in either competition before pushing on to the quarter final stage in Euro 2000 in Holland and Belgium. Despite eliminating England in the group stage, Romania couldn't compete with eventual beaten finalists Italy and bowed out with a 2 - 0 defeat.
Strong in front of goal and miserly when defending their own, Romania topped qualifying Group G despite strong competition from both Holland and Bulgaria. Their home win over Holland was enough to secure top spot and having only lost one game, away to Bulgaria, the Romanians qualification form could make them dark horses for a prolonged run in the Euro 2008 competition.
Former international striker and national team coach Victor Piturca is just over three years into his second spell in charge of the Tricolorii and will be looking forward to a proper crack at the European Championships this time around. Having taken Romania on an undefeated path to Euro 2000 he was abruptly sacked after falling out with Romanian golden boy Gheorghe Hagi but should face no such problems this time around. Piturca has earned the respect of his players and has moulded them into a steely side with enough old school Romanian flair to make a positive impression in Austria and Switzerland.
Adrian Mutu has rebuilt his tarnished reputation since he was sacked from Chelsea for cocaine use, scoring for fun for Fiorentina and leading the national side's attack seems to have reinvigorated the 29 year old and he is re-establishing himself as one of European football's most deadly strikers.
Internazionale defender Christian Chivu has proven to be a rock in the Romanian midfield since coach Piturca moved him from his familiar cnetral defensive role. Comfortable on the ball and tenacious in the tackle with the added bonus of being an experienced head in midfield with the captain's armband.
