Mutu double keeps Romania rolling
Saturday 8 September 2007
Adrian Mutu scored twice as Romania won in Belarus to strengthen their lead in
UEFA EURO 2008â„¢ qualifying Group G.
First place
One of three unbeaten teams in the section at kick-off, Romania were hoping to
consolidate first place as they will sit out Wednesday's fixtures. Mutu opened the
scoring 16 minutes in and although Maksim Romashchenko equalised, Nicolae
Dicã struck before the break and the ACF Fiorentina forward confirmed the victory
late on from the penalty spot.
Swift equaliser
If it was a slow start to the game, it burst into life on the quarter-hour when
Romashchenko fired over the bar. Seconds later Romania were celebrating after
a swift attack was finished off by Mutu into the bottom left-hand corner. Belarus
responded with Vladimir Korythko shooting wide and they were soon level:
Aleksandr Hleb setting up Romashchenko to shoot in.
Back ahead
Romania reacted well, Mutu forcing Vasili Khomutovski into a smart save and the
No10 went close again just before the half-hour. Cristian Chivu also threatened a
goal but it was Dicã who restored the advantage on 42 minutes when he headed
in Petre Marin's right-wing cross.
Belarus respond
Belarus began the second half well with Romashchenko's effort being blocked by
Marin while, on 64 minutes, a Timofei Kalachev attempt produced a fine parry
from Romania goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont. Sensing they were losing their grip on
proceedings, Romania upped the tempo and Mutu's header was kept out by
Khomutovski, who then watched a Paul Codrea shot fly wide.
Penalty clincher
Mutu was again frustrated by the goalkeeper on 73 minutes but not long
afterwards he was brought down by Khomutovski and picked himself up to
convert the resulting penalty. Romania are now well-placed for the 13 October
visit of the Netherlands while Belarus, in fifth, go to Slovenia on Wednesday.
