Chivu excited after eight-year wait
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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Cristian Chivu is determined to make up for lost time as he prepares to lead Romania's national team into their first major tournament since UEFA EURO 2000™.
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Cristian Chivu is aiming to make up for lost time as he prepares to lead Romania into their UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign.
Strong opponents
Romania last graced the finals of a major tournament eight years ago when they reached the knockout stage of UEFA EURO 2000™ before Italy ended their involvement with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Francesco Totti and Filippo Inzaghi. Ironically, the Azzurri are among the sides they will face this time round with the world champions awaiting in the so-called Group of Death alongside France and the Netherlands.
'Looking forward'
However, having finished above Marco van Basten's side in qualifying and with his inside knowledge of Italian football, the FC Internazionale Milano and former AS Roma defender is confident his nation will prove to be more than a match for their illustrious opponents."It's been a long time since we were in the final of a major tournament but we are looking forward to the challenge," said Chivu following his side's first training session at FC St. Gallen's AFG Arena. "We have a young side who did well in qualifying for these finals, so we go into the games without fear."
Sorrow
On the face of it the task facing Victor Piţurcă's side would appear to have been made easier with the news that Italy will be without captain Fabio Cannavaro while Inter team-mate Patrick Vieira is also a major doubt for France. But far from seeking to gain an advantage from their misfortune, Chivu had only sympathy for two players he knows well from his time in Italy. "It's a shame for them to miss a major tournament like this and I'm especially sorry for my friend and team-mate Patrick [Vieira]," said Chivu who also confirmed he had shaken off a shoulder knock. "It could happen to me, it could happen to anyone."
No fear
Meanwhile, looking ahead to Monday's opener against France in Zurich, team-mate Cosmin Contra promised Romania would not be overawed by Raymond Domenech's side. "France are a great team, but not invincible," said Contra. "We will show them respect but we don't fear them."