Liverpool take on Steaua Bucharest tonight - and for two local Kopites, the match represents a dream come true.
Emil Neacsu and Horia Matei are two of many passionate Reds from the Romanian capital who will be attending the game at the Steaua Stadium and are members of the Liverpool Romania fan group.
Here, they tell us how they became Liverpool supporters, give us the lowdown on Steaua Bucharest and also their predictions for the game.
How did you come to support Liverpool?
Horia: When I was able to read, I couldn't get enough of the books of arguably the greatest sports journalist we had, Ioan Chirila. His talent for telling the story of a game was just unbelievable - that's how I heard about Real Madrid, in truth. Living close to the border with Hungary, I had the chance to get some football on TV as the Romanian Public station had only two hours of programming a day and no coverage of major sports events. So, one day in May, 1981, I sat in front of the TV curious to watch the team I'd read a few things about. But eight minutes from time, the 'others' had the guts to score and win the European Cup. I wondered who are these boys that dare to beat Real ? I soon discovered they were, of course, the Mighty Reds. From that night onwards, I started to read everything about them and tried to watch as many games I could. That night in May, I became a Red. Forever.
Emil: I was a seven or eight-year-old kid and I was attracted by the fact that Liverpool were by far the strongest team in Europe. In 1977, I got a big poster with Kevin Keegan from French kids' magazine Pif. From then on, I was hooked.
How often do you get to see the Reds in action?
Horia: Unfortunately no more than three to four times a year. 2010 has been a lucky year as Thursday is the Reds' second visit to Bucharest.
Emil: Every time they play in Premier League or Europe, I will watch them on TV. Unfortunately I have never been to Anfield, but I did get to see the Reds in February of this year against Unirea Urziceni.
How many Liverpool fans are there in Romania/Bucharest?
Horia: Our group in Bucharest is made of 60-70 people who regularly watch the games together but I am sure there must be more. We have almost 2,000 on our Facebook page from all over Romania.
Emil: In Bucharest there are maybe over a few hundred and of all ages. We live for Liverpool. In April this year, I organised a memorial service for the 96 who died at Hillsborough.
What does it mean to you to have Liverpool play in your home country?
Horia: One word - priceless!
Emil: It is a big, big honour for us and a chance to see our heroes live in action.
What can you tell us about Steaua Bucharest?
Horia: As a club, it is the most famous in Romania. But at the moment, there is too much trouble between the owner and the fans and the owner and the managers, which are changed like socks. It's an endless soap opera.
Emil: Steaua are a very skillful team. They have suffered in the championship because some of their players are not used to playing in the Europa League, domestic cup and the championship, so they've had some big defeats. But they are a strong side.
Who are their star players?
Horia: Tanase. But Tatarusanu is also a good player. He's a goalkeeper who seems to be building a nice career.
Emil: The most dangerous players are Bogdan Stancu, Cristi Tanase and Kapetanos. Banel Nicolita is a very hard working midfielder, Latovlevic the right back has a strong shot, and Geraldo Alves and Romeo Surdu are tricky attacking players. The goalkeeper Tatarusanu is one of the best stoppers in Romania now. In the team are four or five players from Unirea who played against Liverpool this year.
How do Steaua fans feel about playing Liverpool?
Horia: No-one can deny them the right to be optimistic about the game but I am sure they'd be happy with a draw.
Emil: I think they want revenge for the 4-1 defeat at Anfield!
Finally, what is your prediction for the game?
Horia: 3-1 to Liverpool.
Emil: A Liverpool win...3-0 I hope!
Author: James Carroll in Bucharest
No comments:
Post a Comment