Romania's national football team have a crucial match in Turkey in the World Cup qualifiers. Unbeaten so far, Romania's team currently top Group D on goal difference, with six goals from matches against Estonia and tiny Andorra. It will be a tough match, as Turkish national teams have a strong record in international competition and won their most recent game against Romania, but it was a close tie and head to head with Turkey, Romania have more wins overall. Romania are playing well and given their recent performances, should be looking for a win, despite Turkey having the home advantage tonight in the Şükrü Saracoğlu stadium, Istanbul.

Turkey are currently lying in fourth place in Group D with three points, after losing to the Netherlands and beating Estonia. Turkey's coach described Romania's team as “well-disciplined and playing with patience.” He believes this is the most important game so far for his team.

Group D also includes Hungary and the Netherlands, sixth in the FIFA rankings and 40 places ahead of Romania. Only the winning team from each of the nine European groups will qualify directly for the Brazil 2014 World Cup finals, with the eight best group runners up competing for a further four places at the finals. Current Group D standing are Romania first with six points, the Netherlands in second, also with six points but behind Romania on goal difference. Hungary and Turkey both have a win and loss so far and three points each, with Hungary ahead on goal difference. Estonia and Andorra are at the bottom of the group, both with no wins or draws and no points so far.

Watch the match on TVR 1, TVR HD and TVR+ tonight at 20:30 local time.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Wikipedia)