Romanians rule Popescu out of Euro 2000
First Published: Jun 21, 2000Romanian defender Gheorghe Popescu looks certain to miss the Euro 2000 quarter final clash with Italy on Saturday.
The 33 year old veteran was injured in the 3-2 win over England in Charleroi and the Romanian camp has reported that a thigh muscle was torn and the centre back will miss the rest of Euro 2000.
Popescu was carried off on the half hour mark and his absence saw England score twice at the end of the first half but Romania hit back with two goals to get the win they needed.
Popescu will be replaced as captain by Gheorghe Hagi who is to return to the team after a one match suspension but Romania have been hit by three other suspensions. Star striker Adrian Ilie, midfielder Dan Petrescu and Cosmin Contra will all be suspended for the Italy clash.
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