We can be streets ahead

Jun 8 2008

ROMANIA keeper Bogdan Lobont wants his side to take Euro 2008 by storm and spark scenes of celebration in his homeland like there were 14 years ago.

Jubilant fans took to the streets in 1994 after playmaker Gheorghe Hagi inspired Romania to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup in America.

After each victory in the tournament thousands would take to the streets in cities up and down the country to hail their heroes.

The Romanians lost the quarter-final clash against Sweden on penalties but their participation in Euro 2008 marks a return to international tournaments for the first time since Euro 2000.

Dinamo Bucharest keeper Lobont was a reserve in that competition but he is now the established first choice and eager for the team to make an impact like 1994.

He said: "From the very bottom of my heart I'd love to get the Romanian people back on to the streets and for the team to be praised by everyone for our performances."

Romania reached the finals from a tough qualifying group that included Holland and Bulgaria but are in the so-called Group of Death at the Euros and kick off against France tomorrow.

Lobont said: "We have been drawn in the toughest group Romania has ever been in, in a final, but we're going to give it everything."

The 30-year-old keeper has had brief spells with Ajax and Fiorentina and is a firm favourite in his homeland.

In Romania's last friendly against Montenegro he saved a first-minute penalty and his team went on to win 4-0.