Mitea magic dazzles Armenia

By Paul-Daniel Zaharia at the Nairi stadium

Nicolae Mitea scored twice and set up two more as Romania thrashed Armenia 5-0 at the Nairi stadium in Yerevan to go top of UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying Group 1.

Mitea magic
Romania, inspired by the magical Mitea, took control after only six minutes when Razvan Cocis converted Mitea's precise cross. The home team had the chance to get back into the match from the penalty spot two minutes later, but Mkhitar Grigoryan sent his spot-kick over the bar and from then on Romania dominated.

Tamas strike
Gabriel Tamas doubled the lead with a superb 35-metre free-kick on 14 minutes, before Mitea added the third three minutes before the break. Cosmin Moti connected with Mitea's corner to make it four within two minutes of the restart and the AFC Ajax striker rounded off the scoring himself eleven minutes from time with an excellent solo effort.

Romania top
Victory moves Romania two points clear at the top from the Czech Republic, who face F.Y.R. Macedonia on Wednesday. Romania next play Netherlands on 25 March while Armenia, who are bottom with three points from five games, are away to the same team four days later.