Substitutes Trade Late Goals As Albania Takes Point From Romania, 1-1

Romanian soccer was dealt another frustrating blow on Friday, finally finding their first lead over visiting Albania in the 80th minute only to be drawn two minutes before full-time.  The 1-1 result gives Albania an unexpected point and continues the struggles for a once strong Romanian team, coming off a fifth place finish in their World Cup qualifying group.

The missed points are a setback for Romania, the second pot team in Group D, who also saw Bosnia and Herzegovina get three points on the road at Luxembourg.  Perception held Romania's biggest challenge for the group's second spot was Bosnia and Herzegovina, but after being drawn at home by Albania, Romania is left playing catch-up.

Substitute Bogdan Stancu scored in the 80th minute to give Romania an exhale-enducing lead, but Albanian substitute Gjergj Muzaka scored five minutes after being brought on to steal a point for the visitors.

Albania did register road points in World Cup qualifying, scoreless draws against Malta and Portugal.

Goals:

80' - Bodgan Stancu 1

88' - Gjergj Muzaka 1

Discipline:

40' - Razvan Rat (Yellow)

50' - Kristi Vangjeli (Yellow)

87' - Ovideu Herea (Yellow)

Lineups:

Romania: Lobont, Tama, Rat, Contra (Muresan 57'), Radoi, Cocis (Herea 78'), Torje, Deac, Florescu, Niculae (Stancu 64'), Marica

Albania: Beqaj, Vangjeli, Lila, Dallku, Curri, Cana, Skela (Lika 79'), Agolli, Bulku, Duro (Muzaka 82'), Bogdani (Salihi 57')

Goals

1

Gjergj Muzaka, Albania
Bogdan Stancu, Romania