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World Cup Countdown: 6 Weeks to Go - Romania Make Last 8 Thanks to 'the Maradona of the Carpathians'

To say Romania's record in the World Cup since its inception in 1930 is poor would be deemed by many as an understatement; for the most part at least.

While the majority of their performances in the competition have left a lot to be desired, a golden period of success throughout the 90's - culminating in reaching the quarter final stage in 1994 - have meant the Tricolorii have their own significant piece of history embedded into football's most famous tournament, thanks in no small part to arguably their greatest ever player.

A number 10 with the ingenuity, creativity and flair indicative of the position, Gheorghe Hagi inspired a nation and generation to places they have failed to been eclipsed ever since, as the diminutive magician dazzled for Romania in the USA during the 1994 World Cup.