Marica at the double as Romania seal play-off place

A Ciprian Marica double against Estonia was enough for Romania to finish runners-up in FIFA World Cup qualifying Group D and clinch a play-off place.

Level on points with Turkey going into the final round of matches, Romania knew that only a win and a favourable result elsewhere would ensure they came second in the section. In the event, Marica guaranteed that Romania did their bit with a first-half penalty and another goal nine minutes from time to capitalise on Turkey's home defeat by section winners the Netherlands.

The visitors made much of the early running in Bucharest with Konstantin Vassiljev and Tarmo Kink coming close to an opener. However, Victor Piţurcă's charges made them pay on the half-hour when Bogdan Stancu was felled by Mikk Reintam and Marica kept his cool from the spot.

Gheorghe Grozav saw his second-half attempt well saved by Sergei Pareiko before Getafe CF forward Marica put the result beyond doubt with his second in the 81st minute to edge Romania a step closer to their first World Cup finals since 1998. The Romanians will be hoping for a better outcome than their last World Cup play-off experience – a loss to Slovenia in qualifying for the 2002 edition.

"No matter who our opponent will be, we will be second favourites," said coach Piţurcă. "However, you can be certain that our opponents will find it very tough against us. We will take our chances."