Dragun saves Belarus from Romania reverse

Stanislav Dragun ensured Belarus's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign finished on a positive note with an 82nd-minute equaliser against Romania.

Adrian Mutu became the first Romania player to score at the new National Arena in Bucharest when he gave Victor Piţurcă's men a 20th-minute lead. Sergei Kornilenko equalised on the cusp of half-time, but, within six minutes of the restart, Mutu restored the hosts' lead from the spot for his 34th goal in 71 internationals. Dragun's leveller then denied Romania, who are certain to finish third, a fourth win in five Group D matches.

After Mutu had tapped Romania ahead from Gabriel Torje's assist, Ciprian Marica squandered an opportunity to double his team's lead when he chose to pass from close range having weaved his way into the penalty area. Heavily involved, Marica then teed up Mutu for a shot which was blocked by Yuri Zhevnov, before himself being denied by the goalkeeper.

Romania's failure to take those opportunities initially proved costly when Kornilenko seized on an error by Cosmin Moți, yet they were soon back in the ascendancy as Mutu, after being fouled by Dmitri Verkhovtsov, tucked away a 51st-minute penalty.

Belarus continued to pose a threat, however, and were swiftly denied a second equaliser when Costel Pantilimon thwarted Sergei Krivets. On a hat-trick, Mutu chanced his luck with an overhead kick, but it was Belarus who had the last word, Dragun finishing off a counterattack with eight minutes remaining. Piţurcă's team conclude their campaign in Albania on Tuesday.