Adrian Mutu’s double rescued Romania from a potential disaster against Luxembourg whom they defeated 3-1 at the Ceahlaul stadium on Tuesday. Surprisingly, Luxembourg opened the score through Gerson, but former Chelsea striker Mutu managed to level the score just one minute later. The second half found the same 32-year-old player completing his double, but also Zicu scoring for the clear victory. Gerson brought the first lead in the 22nd minute following a great action that stunned the Romanian defensive line.
Foto Source: sportvox.realitatea.net
Unfortunately for Luc Holtz, visitors’ joy wouldn’t last but one minute. Mutu scored the equalizer following a lovely play from the striker who beat Joubert with a perfect finish. The first half included in the same time two yellow cards shown for clumsy interventions, one for each side. So, the break went 1-1, with the Romanians waking up. The half time brought an inspired substitution for the home side as Torje, who would have a crucial contribution for Mutu’s second goal, replaced Stancu.
Thus, the 68th minute found Mutu scoring for 2-1. Torje’s cross from the right met striker’s header which beat Joubert and brought relief on the hosts’ bench. Finally, Zicu made it 3-1 in the 78th minute. A corner from the left reached the crowded box and then striker’s header to deny Joubert and bring the precious victory.
Both Razvan Lucescu and Luc Holtz used the three changes, the Romanian, introducing Torje, Alexe and Goian for Stancu, Mutu and Tamas respectively. On the other side, Laterza, Martino and Da Mota replaced Bettmer, Gerson and Schnell. The win over Luxembourg was Romania’s first one in the qualifiers. Lucescu’s side have drawn two games and lost other two. They sit fifth in the group D with five points in five games, three behind second Belarus and Albania.
As for the minnows Luxembourg, they lie foot of the table with zero points in six games, the goal against Romania being their only one. They also conceded 11. Th group is led by France, Laurent Blanc’s side having won four games and lost one. Finally, Bosnia Herzegovina, who beat Romania last week, are fourth with seven points in four games. Romania will next meet the same Bosnia Herzegovina, on June 3, when Lucescu’s future on Romania’s bench will also be decided.
The same day, Belarus will face France. On June 7, Bosnia Herzegovina meet Albania and Luxembourg visit Belarus, while the date of September 2 will bring three more matches; Romania play in Luxembourg, Albania host France and Bosnia Herzegovina visit Belarus.
Romania – C. Tatarusanu, I. Sapunaru, G. Tamas, R. Rat, F. Gardos; G. Muresan, B. Stancu, A. Ropotan, Mutu; Zicu, Marica. Reserves: D. Alexa, M. Alexe, D. Goian, A. Salagean, G. Torje, C. Deac, C. Pantilimon.
Luxembourg – Joubert; Schnell, G. Blaise, E. Hoffmann, M. Mutsch, L. Gerson, R. Peters, B. Payal, G. Bettmer, A. Joachim, C. Leweck. Reserves: A. Bukvic, T. Laterza, M. Oberweis, D. Da Mota, D. Collette, J. Plein, M. Martino.
