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WORLD CUP USA ‘94: QUARTERFINALS : Romania Holding Up Well : Soccer: Controlled approach gives team healthy chance against Sweden, which could suffer on defense because of injuries.

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TIMES STAFF WRITER

It is a team that has been described in terms generally reserved for an especially cranky rodeo bull: tempestuous, emotional, unpredictable, dangerous.

Romania, a team of self-described hotheads expected to self-destruct, has instead been a marvel of smooth deportment and professional focus--an experimental approach for the Romanians that has borne such sweet fruit, a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Romania, which had been considered a failure during the last World Cup because of its performance in the face of high expectations, will play Sweden today at Stanford Stadium. The winner of today’s game will play Brazil on Wednesday at the Rose Bowl in one of two semifinal games.

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Romania’s successful run largely has been credited to its most bullish player, the highly volatile Gheorghe Hagi. Hagi has overcome moody and indifferent play to lead Romania with three goals and three assists.

Few have questioned Hagi’s talent, but many have questioned his effort. His yeoman’s work during this World Cup might serve to forever (or, until the Italian league begins) rid Hagi of that reputation.

“Hagi has proven to be among the best players in the tournament,” Sweden Coach Tommy Svensson said. “I knew he was a strong player before. But I have never seen him work this hard.”

For his part, Hagi’s performance has not surprised him.

“I know my value to the team and how well I would play,” Hagi said. “I knew I would play well in the tournament.”

Hagi has not done it alone. He teams with Ilie Dumitrescu on a deadly give-and-go the two learned as teammates at Steaua Bucharest. The combination will become more dangerous with the addition of high-scoring Florin Raducioiu, who had been serving a one-game suspension.

Romanian Coach Anghel Iordanescu would not discuss his lineup Saturday, except to say he expected to play many of the same players who played in the opener against Colombia.

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The worst possible scenario for Sweden is likely to present itself--team captain Jonas Thern is not expected to play. The midfielder suffered a knee sprain against Saudi Arabia last week and Svensson does not usually allow players who are not fully fit to play.

Thern, who plays for Napoli in the Italian league, is considered Sweden’s best player in a decade and provides his team with an emotional anchor.

Said one Swedish soccer writer: “There is no hope for Sweden if Thern does not play.”

Also doubtful is defender Joachim Bjorklund, who has a groin pull. But both the defense and the midfield will be bolstered by Stefan Schwarz, whom many consider to be the best defensive midfielder in the tournament.

If Romania relies on counterattacking, as it has in four previous games, Sweden will be ready, having beaten the Saudis, 3-1; a game in which Romania successfully handled a relentless Saudi counterattack.

“It’s more dangerous than Saudi Arabia’s because they don’t go to counter at every moment,” Svensson said. “They wait until they see they have the opportunity. If not, they keep the ball in their possession and they defend with nine or 10 men. We must be careful when we go to attack.”

On the attack, Sweden has many potent weapons. Martin Dahlin has scored four goals in three games and Kennet Andersson has three in four games. Andersson, the striker, has been something of a surprise, but Dahlin has not. He scored seven goals in Sweden’s nine qualifying games and has distinguished himself in this tournament with his assurance with the ball and in front of the net.

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In Sweden, where humility is prized above all other virtues, Dahlin’s confidence is sometimes viewed as being arrogant. He does not agree.

“Sweden is the only country where it is considered a bad characteristic to be sure of yourself,” Dahlin said before the World Cup. “Why should we always be ashamed of what we can do? Why should we not instead be proud?”

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