Greece restrict Romania to another draw

• Constantin Budescu, on his first start for Romania, misses two fine chances
• Romania keep seventh clean sheet in eight qualifiers
• Result leaves Romania second in Group F, three points clear of Hungary
• Greece's exit already confirmed before this evening
• Next games: Romania v Finland, Northern Ireland v Greece (8 October)

Romania betrayed a few nerves in front of goal but were as impervious as ever at the back as a 0-0 draw with eliminated Greece maintained their three-point cushion over third-placed Hungary in UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying Group F.

Romania coach Anghel Iordănescu had warned on the eve of the game that despite Greece's travails, they remain the best team in the section. There was evidence of that in Bucharest, because at times this was more like the Greece of old – well organised, dogged in the tackle and commanding against Romania crosses.

When the hosts changed tack, though, adopting a subtler approach of combinations and quick passing, they were a threat. Constantin Budescu had two early efforts blocked, yet the best chance came five minutes before the break as Claudiu Keșerü bore down on goal. Ovidiu Hoban was free in the box but Keșerü went for glory, his shot hitting a defender.

Romania reverted to the long ball yet recovered their attacking poised towards the end of the match. Orestis Karnezis did well to keep out Gabriel Torje's attempt and, as Iordănescu went for broke in the last ten minutes, they were very nearly caught by a Panagiotis Kone sucker-punch.

However, Ciprian Tătărușanu held onto the strike, meaning it is all to play for next month for the second-placed Romanians.