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EURO 2016: focus on Romania

2016-05-20 13:44:00 from:SNTV

Romania have the unenviable task of facing hosts France in their Euro 2016 opener, but they will be tough to beat having conceded just two goals in an unbeaten qualifying campaign.

Euro 2016 will be Romania's first appearance in a major tournament finals since Euro 2008.

Eight years ago, they began their campaign against France, and they will do so again in the opening game of this year's competition on June 10th.

In 2008, their encounter in Zurich ended in a surprise 0-0 draw, this time around France are hosting the tournament.

Romanian captain Razvan Rat believes this increases the pressure on their rivals.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Razvan Rat, Romania captain:

"The pressure will be more for them than for us because they are more or less obligated to win. It's starting the tournament with a game that they should, must, win so the pressure will be on their side."

Joining France and Romania in Group A, are Switzerland and Euro newcomers Albania, a draw that will make qualification to the knockout phase no easy task.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Razvan Rat, Romania captain:

"After all, I don't think that we had luck in this draw. It's true that we could have also more stronger team but also, again, it's only in theory. In practice what will happen in the final tournament, you will see."

Rat has amassed 108 caps in his career but he will be leading an inexperienced Romanian side.

No other player in the squad has more than 50 appearances to his name

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