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a brilliant chess match

June 12th, 2008 | By: j | 11 Comments »

Being drawn into the “Group of Death” was certainly an ominous moment for Romania. After a strong qualifying period, the “Tricolorii” inclusion into a group with Italy, France and the Netherlands certainly cast them as underdogs. Now after completely frustrating the French with a defensive net and squeezing out a nil draw they face the defending World Cup champions, Italy after they suffered a horrible defeat. Italy now has its backs firmly pressed against the wall and will come out with an intense resolve. The underdog’s task just got a little tougher but from the word around the camp, they revel in it.

With the gallows of Rome ready and waiting for Roberto Donadoni, I think it is safe to assume the 4-3-3 used against the Netherlands will disappear and the champions will return to what made them champions. Roberto Donadoni has alluded to numerous changes, notably the use of Alessandro Del Piero in a either a 4-3-1-2 or a 4-3-2-1 and I can’t imagine Antonio Cassano and Daniele De Rossi won’t be in the starting lineup card.

Victor Piţurcă will surely establish a tight tactical stance once again as he looks to shut down the Italian attack and then counter with Cristian Chivu leading the way for Adrian Mutu and Daniel Niculae. Romania is quite aware that a draw against Italy will put them into a position of advancing to the quarter-finals with a victory over the Netherlands and definitely the talk of the Euros with both Italy and France missing out on the next round. This one has the makings of a brilliant chess match for football aficionados.

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Comments

By Andrei | June 13th, 2008 at 1:30 am

I’m not sure that going defensive will be the good choice again… it hardly was against France. We almost ate a few goals. Romania is not renowned much as a defensive squad despite a good overall back line. We are better at attacking and the attacking style of play we used during qualification seemed successful. I dearly hope that Victor does not try to play Italy the same way he played France. Italy is now a fatally wounded animal and and will come out salivating for goal. Please Piti, please use common sense!!!

By j | June 13th, 2008 at 5:49 am

Your points are very valid especially with Romania’s attack which is why this match is possibly the most intriguing tactical match-up yet. I can’t help but think of reaction if Romania and the Netherlands are the teams out of the Group of Death

Posted from Germany

By julien | June 13th, 2008 at 6:56 am

I hope Romania can hold their own against the Italians. I have a feeling the Italians will be very offensive this match considering the Netherlands loss.

Posted from United States

By Paul | June 13th, 2008 at 9:38 am

1h20m until the game. I am anxious and can’t concentrate on anything.
HAI ROMANIA !!!

By CoJo | June 13th, 2008 at 9:56 am

romania roooooooooomaaaaaaaniaaaaaaaa rooomaniaa rrroooomaniaaaaaaaaaaaaa
rrrrroooooooooo oooooooooooooooooo ooooooooommmmma aaaaaaaaaaaaaaniaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa
rooooooooooma aaaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaaa aaaaaniiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiaaaaaa aaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa
rOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOmAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAnIIIIIIAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAA

By -nickt.- | June 13th, 2008 at 10:32 am

fyi
de rossi is in
cassano is out

By julien | June 13th, 2008 at 12:55 pm

Oh my poor Mutu .

Posted from United States

By Ian Rose | June 13th, 2008 at 1:11 pm

Thanks for subbing in with this one, J. What a game? A little bit of everything, and regardless of that goal being onside, not losing to either World Cup finalist. Not bad.

Posted from United States

By j | June 13th, 2008 at 4:21 pm

No problem Ian – what an incredible match and can you believe the “Group of Death” might have Romania and the Netherlands advance. Incredible -

Posted from United States

By j | June 13th, 2008 at 4:26 pm

btw..I have great stories for you with a cross-atlantic flight today and watching the match in a airport. Let me tell you it wasn’t a very pretty situation -

Posted from United States

By Chess strategy | June 25th, 2008 at 2:51 am

Hey nice site. Anyways chess tips. To become good one must learn from ones one mistakes And successes. Chess analysis pro 7000 I found very useful in helping my chess development. I’d recommend it. Next keep the pressure on. And learn to hold the tension on the board instead of running out of tension with no advantage gained.

Posted from Canada