Romania's Piturca promises different game against France

CONSTANTA, Romania (Reuters) - Romania coach Victor Piturca vowed Friday his side's World Cup qualifier against France Saturday would not be a repeat of the drab goalless draw the teams played out at Euro 2008.

The match in June was one of the ugliest of the competition with both sides lacking sparkle in a nervy group-stage game.

"I'm sure that this Saturday's match will be totally different from that game," Piturca told reporters. "France have enough spectacular players, while Romania -- who play at home -- want to win this time."

Piturca said the absence of injured France centre back William Gallas could help Romania.

"When such a good player as Gallas is missing, the whole of France's defensive system is troubled," said Piturca, whose side has also been hit by injuries. "I hope this might be a disadvantage for them."

Piturca, who has striker Adrian Mutu available for the first time in this World Cup qualifying campaign, denied local media rumours that Romania would play a defensive game.

"We have to score if we want to get a positive result and you cannot do it without attacking," Piturca said.

Romania skipper Cristian Chivu agreed with his coach.

"We are used to playing stressful matches so we don't care that France are one of the strongest teams in the world," Chivu said.