Romania falter but remain on course

Romania need a win in their final game against Wales to be certain of reaching the play-offs as Group 10 winners after being held to a draw in Zenica as Admir Aganović's second-half penalty ended a sequence of five straight defeats for Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Torje opener
Romania came into the match trailing surprise section leaders Wales by a point, but they looked likely to climb clear of them after a strong first-half performance. Emil Săndoi's side went ahead after just five minutes when Claudiu Keseru intercepted goalkeeper Adis Nurković's clearance and teed up Gabriel Torje who scored from ten metres. Romania dropped back after the break and the home side forced their way into the game. Aidin Mahmutović jinked his way past three Romanians and was brought down in the penalty area by Ninu Ducu on 58 minutes, allowing Aganović to step up and equalise from the spot.

Advantage Romania
The home side's only previous points in the section had come with victory against Malta in their opening game, but they looked set to end a sequence of five straight defeats in some style as they took the game to Romania, Mahmutović narrowly failing to seal victory with a shot that bounced back off the post. Even so coach Branimir Tulić will take confidence from the point which was achieved with a young side who will form the backbone of their next Under-21 qualifying campaign. Romania, though, will not be too downhearted. They are level on 15 points with Wales who they meet on Tuesday knowing a win would leave them top of the section, regardless of the result of third-placed France's result away against Bosnia-Herzegovina.