Romania secured their place at UEFA EURO 2008™ with a comfortable victory against Group G strugglers Luxembourg.

Long wait
Goals in either half from Florentin Petre and Ciprian Marica sealed the win for Victor Piturca's side, who can now start planning for their first major tournament since UEFA EURO 2000™. Romania faced a wait after the match to learn if Bulgaria, who had started the night third in the section, could win in Albania, but they were rejoicing with the news of a 1-1 draw in Tirana.

Home confidence
The visitors were quickly into their stride and took the game to their opponents, who were full of confidence having recorded their first competitive success in 12 years against Belarus at the weekend. Nicolae Dică blazed an early effort wide as Romania sought to take control. Dică was involved again moments later, first shooting wide before testing the reflexes of home goalkeeper Stéphane Gillet with a free-kick.

In control
Dorin Goian then squandered another chance to put Romania ahead before Piturca's men finally made the breakthrough after 42 minutes. VfB Stuttgart striker Marica was the provider with a cross that Petre converted to send his side into an interval lead. After the break, it was a similar pattern of play to the first half as Romania continued to make the running, with Gillet being called into action to deal with a Daniel Niculae attempt. Niculae then turned supplier, setting up the second goal with a cross from the left for Marica to score with the easiest of finishes.