Frustrated Ianis Hagi admits he's had "better days", after Romania's World Cup dream was dealt a huge blow on the same day Steven Gerrard walked out of Rangers.
Hagi's national team knew a win over Iceland in Bucharest would have put them in pole position for a playoff spot for Qatar 2022.
But they drew a blank with Hagi hitting the post in a 0-0 draw with Iceland that allowed North Macedonia to move into second place.
They now need to beat Liechtenstein in their final game and hope that Iceland can take something from the Balkans to seal a playoff spot that could potentially set up a clash with Scotland if they do the business against Moldova on Friday evening.
Post-match, Hagi was asked about the situation at Rangers after Gerrard sealed his move to Aston Villa.
But he gave that question short shrift, instead ranting about Romania and shouldering the blame for his side's shortcomings.
He said: "I won't talk about the situation at Rangers, but I am so disappointed we didn't win this game. When you lose your place in the top two spots, do you think I will be happy?
"The coaching staff did their job, it was us who missed the chances. If I had scored instead of hitting the post, we wouldn't be having this conversation.
"Certainly, I've had better days.
"We have a talented generation. I'm only 23 and we have young players in the team and Enes Sali is only a 15-year-old, but he is already in the squad. We have a strong mentality and the future is bright for Romanian football.
"Of course, we will beat Liechtenstein in the final game, but it is now no longer in our hands and that hurts us badly."
