Romania

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• Manager:Victor Piturca

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Mutu offered Piturca backing

14 Jun 2008 - 13:16:56

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Romania coach Victor Piturca voiced his total support for striker Adrian Mutu after the striker's late penalty miss in the 1-1 draw with world champions Italy.

Mutu saw his spot-kick saved by Azzurri goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, leaving Romania needing to beat the Netherlands to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Piturca told reporters: "The fact Mutu missed a penalty is part of the game, it is nothing new.

"I am more upset by the way they were able to score against us than by the penalty miss. Penalties have been missed, are missed and always will be missed.

"I told Mutu to focus and concentrate and hit the ball very hard, but maybe he was influenced by the fact Buffon is one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world. He didn't miss, it was Buffon who made a great save."

"In my view, it remains a good result. We have drawn with both the World Cup finalists from 2006, but this time it was better than our debut against France.

"I hope we can do better and win against Holland."