Razvan Rat ready for World Cup playoffs

Romania defender Razvan Rat has admitted that his side have a "great chance" to qualify for the World Cup finals after being drawn against Greece in a two-legged playoff tie.

Rat's nation were arguably handed one of the more favourable draws that they could have received, and the West Ham United player has acknowledged that his team need to make the most of their opportunity.

The 32-year-old told his club's official website: "I am excited for the World Cup playoffs. It's a great chance for us and a great chance for me to go to the finals in Brazil.

"It's two games against Greece. They will be tough games because Greece are a good, experienced team with good players, so on paper they look strong, but on the pitch, the theoretical and practical chances are different.

"We have a great chance to go to Brazil and we need to make the most of the opportunity."

Rat has been capped 92 times by Romania, while also featuring for his country at Euro 2008.