And after limping through against lowly Sparta Prague of the Czech Republic in the last round, they sank to 1-0 defeat in Romania to Steaua Bucharest in the first leg of their tie.

CNN: Bale hurts Inter again as Chelsea stumble in Romania

Bucharest, Romania (CNN) -- Romania's government collapsed Friday and a new prime minister was appointed after a censure motion filed by the opposition won approval in Parliament.

CNN: Romania's government falls after Parliament vote

Bucharest, Romania (CNN) -- Former Romanian Prime Minister Adrian Nastase was placed on three years of probation Friday in a corruption case that had been under investigation for more than six years.

CNN: SHARE THIS

Bitdefender, the 670-person Bucharest-based security software firm, could be the first initial public offering of a Romania-based tech firm.

FORBES: Will Bitdefender Be Romania's First Tech IPO?

In the video below, I break the news to Jon that he will be flying coach (non-reclining middle seat) to Bucharest, Romania this evening, returning Wednesday afternoon.

FORBES: Reporter Heads to Romania on 5 Hours Notice to Stress Test Laptops, Tablets

Meanwhile, Romania completed their qualifying campaign in style with a comprehensive 6-1 victory over nine-man Albania in Bucharest to finish top of Group G.

CNN: Czechs defeat Cyprus to finish top

Voters wanted a change, they blamed the socialists for Romania's corruption, and they saw the plain-spoken Mr Basescu, a former sea captain and mayor of Bucharest, as a rare honest man.

ECONOMIST: A promising start to a presidency