Contra retires as Romanian World Cup hopes dashed

Defender Cosmin Contra has announced his international retirement in the wake of Austria shattering Romania’s dreams of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, according to local reports Thursday.

Romania’s 2-1 defeat in Austria dropped them to fifth place in group seven, with only four points from five matches – effectively ending any hopes they had of qualifying for next year’s showpiece.

“It’s really hard to leave after such a defeat, but life goes on,” said Contra, who during his final match for Romania wore the captain’s armband in the absence of Cristi Chivu and Adrian Mutu.

“I wish my teammates all the best and hope they go on to finish the qualifiers with their heads held high.”

Contra, 33, plays in the Spanish first division with Getafe.

He was capped 72 times by Romania and scored seven goals. He competed at the European Championships in 2000 and 2008.

Group seven is currently being led by Serbia, on 12 points, with France on 10 after their victory over Lithuania on Wednesday.