Romania too strong for Malta

Romania cruised to a comprehensive triumph against Malta in Piatra Neamt to overtake France in top spot in Group 10 courtesy of goal difference.

Headed goals
The home side had to wait 20 minutes before taking the lead, Cristian Sirghi opening the scoring with a header after a cross from Claudiu Keseru, but three goals in a nine-minute spell either side of half-time confirmed their superiority.

Quickfire double
In first-half injury time Bogdan Stancu made it 2-0 with another header, this time from a Gabriel Torje cross. Torje came desperately close on two occasions to scoring on his 18th birthday, firstly seeing one effort cannon back off the crossbar then watching another blocked on the goalline by a gallant Maltese defence. Romania added a third goal in the 49th minute when Stancu scored and, five minutes later, Liviu Ganea headed in the fourth after a superb team move. Malta remain bottom of the group and still awaiting their first points of qualifying.