Gheorghe Grozav ensured a third consecutive FIFA World Cup™ qualifying victory for Romania, 1-0 at the expense of a toothless Turkey. Grozav's smash-and-grab goal on the break livened up an otherwise dull encounter in Group D, with Liverpool midfielder Nuri Sahin missing the chance to salvage a point at the close. Romania and Turkey were expected to compete for second place in the pool behind the Netherlands but, with nine points from three games, Victor Piturca's men might just challenge the Oranje for top spot. Ciprian Tatarusanu was wise to Semih Kaya's bullet header as Turkey tried to seize the initiative in the early exchanges. Emre's free-kick met Umut Bulut, whose effort sailed over the crossbar, and soon Romania came alive. A smart strike from Ciprian Marica was foiled only by a brave block from Semih Kaya before Grozav made the breakthrough moments before the interval. Mihai Pintilii launched a perfect through ball beyond the Turkish backline, Volkan Demirel dashing out of his area only to be beaten by Grozav's deft finish from fully 30 yards. Turkey were stunned into submission but Demirel had to look lively on the hour mark as Gabriel Torje waded into the penalty box. Mevlut Erdinc was then presented with a gilt-edged chance to level, instead shaving a post, before Arda Turan drew a nervous stop from Tatarusanu. Six minutes of added time were to be played at the Sukru Saracoglu, but it was not to be Turkey's night as Sahin nodded Turan's pinpoint cross just over the bar. Romania, yet to concede a goal in the qualifying campaign, go head-to-head with the Dutch on Tuesday. FIFA
GMT 18:45 2018 Wednesday ,10 January
Chinese FA warns clubs over Aubameyang 'bidding war'GMT 19:28 2018 Tuesday ,09 January
Neymar, PSG run riot in French CupGMT 15:08 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Bayern's Heynckes rules out Vidal Chelsea moveGMT 14:59 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Napoli cement top spot as Lazio's Immobile hits fourGMT 16:04 2018 Tuesday ,02 January
Schedulers are against us, Arsenal manager Wenger complainsGMT 15:54 2018 Tuesday ,02 January
Manchester United lift Mourinho, Liverpool leave it lateGMT 19:04 2017 Sunday ,31 December
Lukaku adds to Mourinho's woes as United lose groundGMT 18:58 2017 Sunday ,31 December
Inter, Roma held as Benevento finally win
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor