Zurich: With 10 defenders in their 23-man squad, Romania were never going to be the most attractive team at Euro 2008, but their draw with France on Monday showed they may live up to their own billing as dark horses in Group C.
Drawn in the toughest group at the tournament alongside the French, Italy and The Netherlands, most pundits had written off the eastern European side before the finals began.
But in Monday's scoreless draw they proved that although they may not score many goals they will be hard to beat - even by world champions Italy in their next match on Friday.
'Not to be beaten'
"We achieved what we set out to do. Our aim is not to be beaten," striker Adrian Mutu said after Monday's game.
France never really looked like scoring as Romania stuck to their game plan, buoyed by a huge travelling support that easily outnumbered the French fans.
The 2006 World Cup runners-up were frustrated in attack.
They were forced down the sides and across the front of the penalty area, unable to penetrate the heart of a Romanian defence that kept its shape throughout and was well marshalled by defensive midfielder and captain Cristian Chivu.
Even when the French stepped up a gear in the early part of the second half, Romania, unlike many teams under pressure, never panicked and seemed very comfortable in defence, mopping up and clearing their lines.
Romania made their physical presence felt from the start, but with three first-half bookings, they will not have that luxury against Italy.
"I was not happy with the bookings, they were unnecessary and I spoke to the team about this," coach Victor Piturca said.
