Romania vs. Hungary: Score, Grades and Post-Match Reaction

Romania scored early and dominated throughout in a deserved 3-0 home victory over neighbours Hungary on Friday in Group D of UEFA World Cup qualification. With the victory, Romania took over second place in the group and helped their chances of reaching the qualification playoffs.

With three matches remaining, Romania have 13 points—six behind group leaders the Netherlands. Hungary are third with 11 points. With wins over Turkey (at home on Tuesday) and minnows Andorra (away on Oct. 11), Romania would likely clinch at least a place in the playoffs, where eight teams will compete for UEFA's final four World Cup berths.

The atmosphere at Bucharest's Stadionul National was tense before kickoff, but the hosts needed little time to find the breakthrough and settle the home fans' nerves. 

In the second minute, Romania's Ciprian Marica seized on a mistake by Hungary defender Richard Guzmics, kept his composure one-on-one against goalkeeper Adam Bogdan and coolly finished at the far post for an early lead. It was his third goal in qualifying.

Romania continued to harry Hungary on the ball, giving the visitors little time in possession. After winning the ball, the hosts often moved forward quickly in numbers, creating several dangerous moments with counter-attacks.

The second goal came in the 31st minute, when Marica laid off for Mihai Doru Pintilii, who curled a long-range shot into the top corner. It was his first international goal (14 appearances).

Bogdan Stancu came close for the hosts in the second half but shot off target with only the keeper to beat. Daniel Bode had Hungary's best chance, but Razvan Rat made a crucial interception. Cristian Tanase then made it 3-0 in the 88th minute, beating a defender with a good move before running onto his own ball and finishing first time at the far post.

In stoppage time, the home fans cheered every pass in a show of emotion against an old political rival. In pre-match clashes, seven people were injured in conflicts between the two sets of supporters, according to the Associated Press.

Grades

Pintilii's shooting form: A+

For his excellent strike in the 31st minute, Pintilii hit Marica's lay-off pass first time. His strike was outstanding, both for power and precision.

The ball bent far outside the goal-frame before flying into the top corner. The keeper had no chance.

It was a top-class effort for Pintilii's first international goal, a moment he'll remember for the rest of his career.

Romania's big picture: A 

The win leap-frogged Romania over Hungary into second place, giving the hosts a great chance to qualify for the playoffs.

A home date against Turkey on Tuesday will be difficult but winnable, and the next qualifier is at Andorra—which is almost surely a victory.

Friday's victory was big for Romania not only because it came against a rival and neighbour, but because it served as an important step toward qualifying for the nation's first World Cup since 1998.

Up next

Romania host Turkey on Tuesday, while Hungary host Estonia.