Gheorghe Grozav scored the only goal as Romania maintained their perfect record in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group D with a narrow victory against Turkey.

Grozav's strike on the stroke of half-time earned Victor Piţurcă's side their third victory from as many games in the section, setting them up perfectly for Tuesday's encounter with co-leaders the Netherlands. Turkey, with three points from as many matches, already have a lot to do to stay in contention for a place at Brazil 2014.

Volkan Demirel returned for the hosts after missing the September qualifiers and made his mark on proceedings in a manner he will not want to remember. The Fenerbahçe SK No1 left the confines of his penalty area in an attempt to cut out Mihai Doru Pintilii's through ball, but only succeeded in making up Grozav's mind. The finish from the 22-year-old was emphatic.

It was a rush of blood which contrasted with opposite number Ciprian Tatarusanu's early save, the Romania custodian brilliantly keeping out Semih Kaya's early header.

Abdullah Avcı introduced Mevlüt Erdinç and Emre Çolak in the second half and while the changes resulted in the hosts enjoying more of the possession, Tatarusanu had few causes for alarm. Avcı will hope for better against Hungary on Tuesday.