Romania bounce back

Romania 2-1 Slovakia
Romania came from a goal behind to defeat Slovakia in the Cyprus Football Association's International tournament in Larnaca.

Against the run of play
Romania began much brighter but, against the run of play, Slovakia took the lead with their first attack. Henrich Bencik played a pass into Robert Vittek, and his shot wrong-footed Romanian defender Cristian Chivu and goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont to screw into the back of the net.

Few chances
Romania continued to dominate the game but chances were few and far between. Dorinel Munteanu had the best opportunities, both from long range and both requiring some smart goalkeeping from Slovakian goalkeeper Juraj Bucek to keep his team ahead.

Munteanu equalises
Munteanu finally found his way past Bucek in the 38th minute as he worked his way through the middle of the pitch before unleashing a shot from 35 metres to equalise.

Close range finish
With five minutes to go before half-time Munteanu turned provider. His corner caused havoc in the Slovakian penalty area and a mistake by Bucek gave Ioan Ganea the chance to score from close range.

Mutu chances
Romania dominated the second half, and captain Adrian Mutu had excellent opportunities in the 64th and 89th minutes. Slovakia had a solitary opportunity as Karol Kisel went close with a header from ten metres.

Romania meet Russia
Romania will now meet Russia in the tournament final on Thursday. Coach Anghel Iordanescu was pleased to have pulled off a win with a slightly under-strength squad. He said: "Even before the tournament, I had decided to use the best team in the match against Slovakia, the team that I am going to use for the most part against Denmark, in March. I didn't have a few players," he said.