Romania win removes Slovenia curse, says Hagi

BUCHAREST, June 7 (Reuters) Romania's back-to-back wins over Group G rivals Slovenia have lifted a curse and will take them on to the 2008 Euro finals, soccer icon Gheorghe Hagi said today.

Slovenia's 1-1 draw in Bucharest in 2001 killed off Romania's hopes of reaching the World Cup finals in Korea and Japan the following year. Romania have failed to qualify for a major tournament since.

''Now, I can say Romanians have forgotten the doomed past and they can look forward to next year's Euro finals,'' Hagi, who was at the helm in that fateful 1-1 draw, told Reuters.

Romania now lead Group G after a 2-1 win in Slovenia yesterday and 2-0 home win over the same opponents on Wednesday.

Romania top the table with 17 points from seven matches, followed by Bulgaria in second with 15 and the Netherlands on 14 but with a match in hand.

Hagi praised coach Victor Piturca, who has built a 12-game unbeaten streak, saying he has picked the right team and formation. He also singled out Adrian Mutu and Cristian Chivu.

''Mutu and Chivu have become the leaders of a team fully able to take the relay from my generation and qualify for next year's Euro finals,'' Hagi said.

REUTERS AKD KP1328