Torje nets brace
Romania kept alive their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2012 as Gabriel Torje's
first-half brace secured victory in Luxembourg.
The Udinese winger opened the scoring at the Stade Josy Barthel in the 34th
minute and then doubled his side's lead against Group D's bottom team on the
stroke of half-time.
The hosts, who have picked up just one point from eight games, started brightly
and Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu had to make early saves from a Charles
Leweck shot and Guy Blaise's header.
Victor Piturca's side soon asserted themselves, though.
Ciprian Marica headed wide from Razvan Rat's cross while Gheorghe Bucur's blast
was blocked by Blaise and Luxembourg keeper Jonathan Joubert was on hand to deny
Marica.
Torje broke the deadlock 11 minutes before the break, slotting into the
bottom-right corner from 12 yards.
He powered a 25-yard attempt wide soon after but did not have to wait too long
for the second goal, again finding the bottom-right corner from Costin Lazar's
pass as half-time approached.
Romania emerged after the break keen to add to their tally, Bucur seeing his
effort punched to safety by Joubert and Tom Schnell blocking from Marica.
The visitors' flow was disrupted just after the hour when injury meant George
Galamaz had to be replaced by Vlad Chiriches, but Luxembourg never looked likely
to get back into the game.
Their only real sight of goal was a speculative 30-yard left-footed shot from
Gilles Bettmer, which shot was comfortably dealt with by Tatarusanu.
Torje was denied the chance to go for his hat-trick when he was substituted in
the 75th minute, but he left the field having made the vital contribution.
Romania take on group leaders France in Bucharest on Tuesday while Luxembourg
host Albania.