National stride towards final

FC National Bucuresti have a foot in the final of the Romanian Cup after defeating FC Arges-Dacia Pitesti 4-0 at home in the first leg of their semi-final tonight.

Captain's opener
Captain Petre Marin began the goal spree in the 14th minute with a drive from 20 metres, and it looked as though Arges would go in at half-time just a goal behind before Slavisa Mitrovic struck just before the whistle. Gabriel Caramarin, from a free-kick in the 61st minute, and Gigel Coman, from the penalty spot, completed the scoring after the break.

Zenga cautious
Despite the brevity of the lead, National coach Walter Zenga has urged caution ahead of the 14 May return. "We have only finished the first half of our job", said the Italian. In the other semi-final,  Astra Ploiesti beat FC Dinamo Bucuresti 2-1. 

Two penalties
Dinu Todoran's well-placed shot from 12 metres gave Astra a 35th-minute lead, which was cancelled out immediately after half-time when Vlad Munteanu converted a penalty. Another spot-kick, scored by Astra's Dinu Todoran, completed the scoring in the 49th minute.

Three sent off
That was not the end of the drama, though, as Munteanu was sent off in the 58th minute. Then, with three minutes left, Dinamo's Bogdan Onut also saw red along with coach Ioan Andone after remonstrating violently with the match officials.