Romania’s football team have made a perfect start on the long road to Rio, with victories in their first two World Cup qualification matches. After beating Estonia last week, Romania hammered Andorra 4 – 0 last night (September 11 ) in Bucharest. Gabriel Torje, who also scored against Estonia, got Romania’s first goal, while Costin Lazar put the home team 2 – 0 up just before half time with a shot from the edge of the area.

In the second half, Romania coasted a little and Andorra had a few chances, but in the dying moments of the game the Romanians suddenly came to life and struck twice, with goals from Valerica Gaman and Alexandru Maxim.

Romania currently lead Group D, with two wins from two matches, but qualification will be tough. The Netherlands are arguably the strongest team in Group D, they also have two wins from two matches so far.

Hungary and Turkey have both lost to the Netherlands but neither will be easy opponents for Romania. Turkey have a strong record in international competitions and with only the Group winner guaranteed a place at the World Cup final in Brazil in 2014, Romanian qualification is going to be a big challenge.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com

(Photo: Romanian Football Federation, photo by NICULAE PROFIR)