Romania caused a big surprise with a 3-0 opening victory. © APA/afp / MIGUEL MEDINA

“I would throw myself off a bridge for the team”

After the surprise coup against Ukraine, Romania's national football team is still full of pathos.

June 19, 2024

From: dpa/dl

Defender Vasile Mogos spoke in martial terms on Wednesday at a press conference in the team's headquarters in Würzburg. "There are 26 players in this group. Even if I were sitting on the bench or in the stands, I would throw myself off a bridge for this Romanian national team. And everyone else is just like me," said Mogos. Romanians are known for their very flowery and expressive language.

The 3-0 win against Ukraine in Munich was the first European Championship victory in 24 years - and the second ever. "That was the best atmosphere since I started following football. My colleagues felt the same way," said Mogos. Another surprise against Belgium on Saturday evening (21.00 p.m.) in Cologne would give the Tricolorii, who were previously considered outsiders, a chance of making it to the round of XNUMX.

A new football euphoria has broken out in Romania. © APA/afp / FABRICE COFFRINI

Coach Edward Iordanescu, the son of former national coach Anghel Iordanescu, warned against having too high expectations and called for realism. "After the 3-0 win, there is a danger that we will be praised too highly. I don't think extremes are the right way. Never and nowhere," said Iordanescu. The 46-year-old and his team had been heavily criticized immediately before the tournament after the XNUMX-XNUMX draws in the friendly matches against Bulgaria and Liechtenstein.