FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

Inspirational midfielder Gheorghe Hagi, whose reign over Romanian football is drawing to a close, believes striker Adrian Ilie will take over his mantle as the nation’s most talented player.

” Ilie has already shown what he can do as an attacker and goal scorer in the Spanish league, “ Hagi said. ” He’s already made a name for himself in Europe. “ Romanians are hoping Ilie’s fame will spread even wider when he flaunts his skills on the World Cup stage. Romania are in group G along with England, Colombia and Tunisia and open their campaign against Colombia in Lyon on June 15. ” We are expecting a lot from Ilie and we are sure he can deliver, “ said Hagi, 34, of the Valcencia star 10 years his junior.

Coach Anghel Iordanescu said he had no doubt about the young player’s talents, and he was counting on Ilie, who scored twice in a recent World Cup warm-up game against Paraguay, to shine during the tournament. ” He has been good all season, “ he said. ” It’s important that he keeps it up now. “

As for Hagi, France 98 will be his last World Cup and the Turkey-based player who inspired Romania to a place in the quarter finals four years ago is determined to go out on a high note. ” I am in great shape, “ he said. ” And the team is a good balance of youth and experience. “ He has already said Romania can win the World Cup, and he repeated his claim again here. ” We’re ready for the final, “ he said.