Romania qualifies for Euro 2016 after 3-0 defeat of Faroe Islands

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:11 am

Constantin Budescu struck twice and Alexandru Maxim was also on target as Romania secured their place at Euro 2016 with a 3-0 victory in the Faroe Islands.

Budescu opened the scoring in the fourth minute in rain-soaked Torshavn and added another with a cross-cum-shot on the stroke of half-time.

The Faroes did make life difficult for the visitors but substitute Maxim eased nerves seven minutes from time, sending Romania through as Group F runners-up with an unbeaten record.

Romania had an early scare when Joan Edmundsson went close but were soon ahead.

Gabriel Torje caught out the home defence with a cleverly-taken free-kick and captain Razvan Rat squared the ball for Bodescu to side-foot home.

The Faroes responded well as Edmundsson twice forced Ciprian Tatarusanu to save and Ragnar Nattestad stabbed a glorious chance wide from three yards following a corner.

Razvan Rat & Co. secured their place at Euro 2016.
Daniel Mihailescu/AFP/Getty Images

Romania had further opportunities as Adrian Popa sliced wide after a good run and Torje missed the target.

Their second goal came in first-half injury time but Budescu was intending to cross when he centred from the right. However his dipping delivery flew over Gunnar Nielsen into the top corner.

The Faroes continued to trouble Romania and Tatarusanu had to save after Hallur Hansson went through on goal and Kaj Bartalsstovu shot just wide.

But after Budescu was denied a hat trick by a fine Nielsen save, Maxim completed the job with a composed finish after playing a one-two with Bogdan Stancu.