No wing and a prayer for general Iordanescu

Romanian coach Anghel Iordanescu will plan his sides World Cup campaign with military precision. The 47-year-old general wants to go out in a blaze of glory after being in charge since 1993 and leading Romania to the most successful period in their history. But Iordanescu has made himself an army of enemies because of his outspoken stance against corruption in local football. So fierce is his opposition that two years ago he resigned but Romanian officials refused to accept it and convinced him to return and prepare the side for France. In 1994 in the United States, Iordanescu led Romania to their best ever World Cup performance, reaching the quarter-finals where they fell to Sweden on penalties. Things did not go so well in Euro 96 when Romania could only manage one goal as they suffered three straight defeats. As a player Iordanescu played 64 times for his country, scoring 26 goals. When the World Cup finishes in July Iordanescu will pack his bags and take over the Greek national side. But until then Romania are hoping Iordanescu can repeat his American success but with England, Colombia and Tunisia blocking their way in Group G one last hurrah may prove one too many for the general.