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Romania Will Qualify From The Group Of Death - Piturca

Romania coach Victor Piturca is backing his side to do the near impossible and qualify from Euro 2008's Group of Death, which includes World Cup winners Italy, runners-up France and the Netherlands...

To their credit, Romania impressed in finishing top of their qualification group ahead of the Netherlands and looked extremely solid while doing so.

However, repeating the feat against an Oranje side which, though still susceptible at the back, looks to be finding its feet - not to mention arch-rivals Italy and France - seems beyond all reasonable and logical possibility.

"It has been a fantastic common goal to qualify," he began. "The boys have been highly motivated and concentrated in each match.

"Today's team is very good, but most important of all they form a very united group."

When asked if they could qualify, he replied without a hint of hesitation: "Yes, we can. If the players are healthy and at a high physical and psychological level, they can achieve a lot.

"We can reach the final, even win it, but we could also lose all our matches. At this level everything can happen.

"Of course, we remember what Greece did four years ago. They weren't given much chance in Portugal (in Euro 2004), but still won the tournament.

"Like every coach, I dream of going as far as possible."

Romania play their first game against France on Monday evening.

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Romania Will Qualify From The Group Of Death - Piturca