 On 8 September, Niculae scored a brace in a 2006 World Cup qualifying match against Andorra, ending a nearly three-year goalless strike for Romania.On 12 March 2008, Niculae was recalled to play for Romania following a two-year break, last playing against Colombia in May 2006.He marked his return with an assist for Daniel Niculae and with a goal following Bănel Nicoliță's cross, winning against Russia with a crushing 3–0.