Iordanescu steps down as Romania coach

2005 The Sports Network

Romania

Iordanescu steps down as Romania coach
11/19 12:51:00 ET

Bucharest, Romania (Sports Network) – Anghel Iordanescu resigned as
coach of Romania Friday following Wednesday’s disappointing 1-1 World
Cup qualifying draw with Armenia.

The point was the first for Armenia in five matches, but Romania was
decimated by injuries and suspensions. Romania is still in position
to qualify for Germany 2006 as they have 10 points from five matches.

“I respect Romanian football fans and because I respect them, I
decided to quit,” said Iordanescu, 54. “I stepped down in order to
allow a better atmosphere around the national team, because without
a good atmosphere, you cannot achieve something great.”

Iordanescu previously coached Romania from 1993-98, leading the
squad to the quarterfinals of the World Cup in 1994 and the finals
of EURO 1996.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS