Steaua take command in Slovenia
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Article summary
NK Gorica 0-2 FC Steaua Bucuresti Nicolae Dica and Victoras Iacob scored second-half goals without reply as the Romanian team took charge.
Article body
Nicolae Dica and Victoras Iacob scored second-half goals without reply as FC Steaua Bucuresti defeated NK Gorica in Slovenia to become even firmer favourites to reach the third and final qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
Determined
Steaua reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup last season and on the evidence of this tie are determined to impress in Europe once again. Gorica, the Slovenian champions, defeated Linfield FC in the previous round but simply had no response as the team from the Romanian capital dominated possession from the off without taking advantage in the opening 45 minutes.
Improvement
Both teams passed up half-chances in the first half, but Steaua were a different proposition after the break and opened the scoring in the 54th minute as Dica curled a superb free-kick beyond Vasja Šimčič. The home goalkeeper was beaten again 12 minutes later as Iacob rose to head in a corner and leave Steaua in a commanding position.
