Duckadam was irresistible; The Catalans did not score a single penalty, while the Romanians scored two. Lăcătuș one, Balint the other. Balint’s full name is Gavril Pele “Gabi”. It seems that even the name “Pele” destined him to become a top player.
He also won the European Super Cup, while as a young player with the national team he was third at the Youth WC in 1981. His teammate Romulus Gabor was the best player of that tournament. We watched Balint in Italy in 1990, where he scored two goals – one against Cameroon, the other against Argentina. Romania qualified for Italy thanks to Balint, who scored twice against Denmark in the decisive match.
Later, Balint was a teammate of the trio Barbarić – Karabeg – Jurić in the Burgos team. Today, Balint is 62 years old and, like a legend, announces Saturday’s clash.
“I want to see a team that fights until exhaustion. I expect a positive result, that’s clear. I hope the boys will be able to achieve it. We need a win. Let them do their best, let’s see them try everything, fight to the end and respect the tactical instructions. I’m sure that Mr. Mircea Lucescu will prepare the game well. We just have to keep our fingers crossed for them – what else can we do? We’re always with them. Regardless of everything, we have to be with the national team.”
Balint particularly emphasizes the atmosphere at the stadium:
“There will certainly be a hostile atmosphere in Zenica, but given the experience they all have, I don’t think they will be afraid of the fans. They have already played in so many stadiums, in front of much larger audiences, so it is not a problem for them. It all depends on how confident they are when they enter the field – after all, this is a decisive game. Let them believe in themselves and in victory. I don’t want to single out any player who could make a difference; I want to see a team on the field, where every player makes an important contribution. “Someone will certainly stand out – either with a goal, an assist or a goalie’s defense – but it must all be in the service of the team. And then, that we all look forward to victory,” added Balint.
(Vijesti.ba)
