THE DESERTED streets of downtown Bucharest were warmed by bright sunshine as the Republic of Ireland squad, accompanied by police outriders, made its way to base yesterday afternoon.

On a day borrowed from high summer, it was difficult to believe that in just 48 hours Ireland will be fighting for its credibility as a respectable force in international football.

That is the harsh reality of the situation, however. There was little solace to be gained from the statements of Mick McCarthy's Romanian counterpart, Costica Stefanescu.

Warning of a difficult night for the visitors, he said: "We remember very well the disappointment of losing to them on penalties in the World Cup in Italy - now it is their turn to be disappointed.

"I believe that Ireland is the second strongest team in our group but not as strong, maybe, as when we last played them. Our team is better - that gives us even more hope. Ireland play a physical game, but I think they will have more problems with our technique than we will have with their strength," he added.