A late brace from right back Paul Papp led Romania to victory over Northern Ireland who they replace at the top of qualifying group G.
Northern Ireland were on the back foot for much of this game, which was clear from the very outset as Romania were very confident and direct with their approach. The first real chance of the game went to Spurs defender Vlad Chiriches who had a 10 yard bicycle kick saved by Roy Carrol after the Irish had failed to clear a corner in the 14th minute.
Just two minutes later though and Northern Ireland had arguably their most clear cut chance of the game. It was a quick breakaway from Kyle Lafferty down the left to which Chris Brunt supported him and the former fed the latter down the left side of the box who hit first time just wide of the far post with his left foot.
Just another two minutes after that however and Romania had their best chance of the first half when Alexandru Chipciu hit the bar from just six yards with the outside of his left foot after a good delivery from the left by Razvan Rat who was excellent all game.
Another Romanian who was a constant threat all night was central midfielder Lucian Sanmartean and he set up the final good chance of the first half. A mazy run from deep saw him go past a couple of players and then get down the left side of the box before pulling back for striker Bogdan Stancu who tried to flick the ball in from point blank range but did not get the desired contact.
Into the second half and things continued in much the same vain as they had in the first with the hosts dominating. Both full backs continued to bomb on to the point where left back Rat got in behind down that side and had an effort smothered by Roy Carroll racing off his line to protect his defence.
Northern Ireland had simply no outlet in the second half as Lafferty became even more isolated and frustrated up top. Therefore inevitably Romania took the lead but through an unlikely source. In the 74th minute Rat delivered another great ball from the left which deflected into the middle of the box where opposite full back Papp was there to meet it and he did with authority as he smashed the ball into the roof of the net left footed.
Just five minutes later and Papp was at it again as he sealed the game ten minutes from time. Another great delivery from the left this time from Sanmartean with his right foot who put the ball at the back post where Papp ghosted in to head home from four yards and make the points safe.