Romania claimed a goalless draw with European champions Spain on Sunday night, which means they are 16 games unbeaten and have suffered just one defeat in their last 21 games in international football.
Anghel Iordanescu’s side qualified for Euro 2016 by winning five and drawing five of their group games. This summer’s tournament will be only their second appearance at continental finals in the last 16 years after they failed to qualify for Euro 2004 and Euro 2012.
They have been drawn in a group alongside host nation France, Switzerland and newcomers Albania, who have never qualified for a major international tournament.
Romania has not produced such an exciting team since the 1990’s when Gheorghe Hagi and co. made it to the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals, their best ever achievement on the world stage.
Iordanescu’s side face a friendly with minnows Georgia early in June in preparation for the Euro’s, so are likely to head into the competition itself with their unbeaten run intact.
They do face a tough opening game, as they face hosts France in the curtain raiser of the tournament, but they will fancy their chances of getting results against both Switzerland and Albania in the other group games.
Romania may have qualified for the Euro’s in what was perceived as a weak group, but recent draws against European giants Italy and Spain will give them confidence heading to France this summer. If they can avoid defeat in the opening game, then they many just be able to surprise a few people in France.