Watch Out Albania And Switzerland, Romania's Nicolae Stanciu Is The Player To Mark.

By EWAH CHIKA

Despite the fact that Romania were beaten 2-1 by France, Anghel Iordanescu's team were not disgraced . This is the fourth time that the coach is taking charge of Romania in a major tournament as he was in charge in FIFA World Cup 1994 (quarter final), Euro 1996 (group stage exit), and FIFA World Cup 1998 (second round).

Watching the game, football analysts would agree that the Romanian team in the opening game against France unleashed a less fancied playmaker in Nicolae Stanciu who was outstanding as he forced veteran Patrice Evra to foul him inside the French 18 yard box and gain a penalty which was converted by Bogdan Stancu to tie the game before West Ham's Dmitri Payet sealed it for Les Blues.

Though the Romanians played like a team , Stanciu was more than outstanding . The playmaker did not display the immaturity of one who only made his debut for the national team in March. The player has gone on to score four goals in his six game for the national team before this tournament. 

Stanciu was signed for as much as €20 million by Romanian giants Steaua Bucuresti in March 2013 just five years after making his professional debut on 10 May 2008 at Unirea Alba Iulia. 

At Steaua, Stanciu has gone on to score 23 league goals in 85 games which speaks volumes also winning  the league in 2013/2014 and 2014/2015 seasons. 

Stanciu is a player that relies more on his right foot with an impeachable short /long passing ability, dribbling and sprint speed. 

In the opening game against France the youngster played like one that was vastly experienced on the international stage, creating 3 chances which was only bettered by Dmitri Payet of France. He also attempted 4 crosses of which 3 were successful and which was also only bettered by Payet. 

By the end of the game , the Steaua player was by far the most impressive of the Romanian attacking players In the night. 

With the result, Romania and Stanciu will have to win their two remaining games which are against less experienced Albanian and Swiss sides in order to advance to the knock out stage.