Superb Serbia storm to South Africa

Serbia qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals with a Group 7 match to spare after securing the win they required against Romania.

Comfortable win
Four points clear of France ahead of the penultimate round of games, Serbia were keen not to leave themselves needing a result in Lithuania on Wednesday. Nikola Žigić broke the deadlock before the break and further goals from Marko Pantelić and Zdravko Kuzmanović, before two late Milan Jovanović efforts, ensured the home side could celebrate their finals place in front of their own fans while ending Romania's purely mathematical play-off hopes.

Persistence pays
Radomir Antić's men powered out of the blocks, with captain Dejan Stanković shooting narrowly wide in the first minute before testing Danut Coman with another drive. Miloš Krasić flashed a shot past the post from inside the area but Romania, undaunted by the passionate home crowd, plugged away on the break and went close via an Adrian Mutu free-kick. Serbia's persistence was rewarded on 37 minutes, however, as the towering Žigić headed in a corner from the left.

Victory sealed
It was nearly 2-0 on 47 minutes when Christian Chivu almost deflected the ball into his own net. Three minutes later, Pantelić duly doubled the lead after being played through by Krasić. Serbia remained on top and although Krašić missed from close range, substitute Kuzmanović made no mistake from inside the box with 12 minutes left. Chivu was dismissed with six minutes remaining for a foul on Žigić and Jovanović's two similar late strikes from distance ensured Serbia stamped their ticket to South Africa in style.