Romania sack coach Piturca

Victor Piturca was on Thursday sacked as Romania coach after a disappointing run of results that looks to have derailed the country’s bid to appear at next year’s World Cup.

“Piturca has been relieved of his post,” said Dumitru Dragomir, head of the Romanian professional football league.

“We haven’t decided on his replacement, that will be made later on.”

Romania’s most recent defeat, a 2-1 loss against Austria on April 1, 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.

Group seven is currently being led by Serbia, on 12 points, with France on 10, Lituania on nine and Austria on seven.