Romania's Anghel Iordanescu laments Bogdan Stancu missed chances in loss

Posted Saturday, June 11, 2016 by ESPN

Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu said "it really hurts" to come away with nothing from their Euro 2016 opener after Dimitri Payet's late winner doomed them to a 2-1 defeat on Friday.

After Payet set up Olivier Giroud's opener for the hosts in the 57th minute, Romania were able to equalise through Bogdan Stancu's penalty after Patrice Evra spilled Nicolae Stanciu in the box.

But Payet's shot from distance in the 89th minute ruined Romania's hopes of sharing the points. It was their ninth straight defeat when conceding first at the Euros.

And Iordanescu was left to rue some missed opportunities for Romania to take the lead, including Stancu chances early in each half.

"I think we played a good match, with both positives and negatives," Iordanescu said.

"We started the first half in excellent fashion and we had a very rare chance that the keeper was able to keep out.

"Had we scored, it would have changed the match. At the start of the second period, we got into the box a great deal but unfortunately Stancu missed that chance again.

"We had some positives moments and tricky moments because we came up against a powerful side.

"Well done to my players for carrying out my instructions and I thank them for the quality of their play, despite the fact we lost the game.

"It really hurts to lose a game in the 89th minute. It was a fabulous strike from a wonderful player."

Romania's Anghel Iordanescu laments Bogdan Stancu missed chances in loss

Iordanescu said it would be difficult to select players for their next game against Switzerland after his first XI left it all out on the pitch.

"Had you had access to the dressing room, you could see how disappointed the players were," he said.

"It'll be difficult to re-establish the players' physical form and fitness, because they're exhausted, but you have to consider the psychological aspect."