Profile

A giant pillar of a centre-back, Dorin Goian became an important member of Romania's defence during their UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying campaign. Strong in the air, he scored the winning goal at home against the Netherlands which effectively ended his country's eight-year wait to reach a major tournament.

Fairly discreet beginnings to career before a mid-season move from FCM Bacãu to FC Steaua Bucureşti in 2004/05.

Made a minor impact in his first half-season at Steaua but then played a major role in the club's 2005/06 Romanian title-winning campaign.

Even more prominent in Steaua's run to the UEFA Cup semi-finals – scored five goals in 14 games, including one in the semi-final second leg at Middlesbrough FC that brought Steaua to the cusp of the final before the English side's comeback.

First selected for Romania in November 2005; scored on his competitive debut in a UEFA EURO 2008 qualifier at home to Belarus (3-1).

Has appeared for Steaua in the last two UEFA Champions League campaigns (eleven appearances; one goal).

Did you know?

Goian's close-range strike against the Netherlands in the UEFA EURO 2008 qualifier on 13 October 2007 gave Romania their first victory over the Dutch.