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Hagi was the orchestrator of Romania's win over Argentina in 1994. David Cannon/Allsport |
Nicknamed the "Maradona of the Carpathians," Hagi drew comparisons with the little Argentine not only for his talents but also in his fiery Latin temperament.
Supremely gifted, Hagi shone briefly but ineffectually at the 1990 finals. But by 1994 Hagi was at the height of his talents, bringing, along with Bulgaria's Hristo Stoitchkov, an unexpected eastern European flavor to the finals in the U.S.
Hagi set the tournament alight with a 40-yard lob in Romania's 3-1 opening win over Colombia, a pre-tournament favorite.
In the second round Hagi was inspired as Romania overcame Argentina 3-2 in a thrilling match. After orchestrating a sweeping move down the field, Hagi laid on the final pass for Ilie Dumitrescu to give Romania an early lead and helped himself to two more to keep his side in front.
Romania was playing the most attractive soccer in the competition but in its quarterfinal with Sweden it again lost out on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
By 1998 Hagi was fading as a player but still directing things with his left foot. Romania again looked impressive and beat England to win its group but capitulated weakly to Croatia in the second round.
His international career finally came to an ignominious end at Euro 2000 when he was sent off in Romania's quarterfinal defeat by Italy, his 115th cap for his country.
