Serbia rejoiced at a 2-0 half-time lead due to Milan Jovanović’s opener on 17 minutes and Romanian Dorel Stoica’s headed own goal a minute before the break. However, in the second half, Romania’s endavour and well-deserved goals from Ciprian Marica (’50) and Stoica (’74), at the right end this time, were in vain, as Branislav Ivanović’s strike on 59 minutes proved decisive.
The starting line-up for Romania was: 1. Lobont – 2. Contra, 5. D. Stoica, 4. Tamas, 3. Rat – 8. Codrea (14. Tanase ’46), 6. Radoi, 11. Cocis (18. M. Niculae ’76) – 7. Fl. Costea (17. G. Bucur ’63), 9. Marica, 10. Mutu. Coach: Victor Piturca
The starting line-up for Serbia was: 1. Stojković – 6. Ivanović, 5. Vidić, 3. Dragutinović, 13. Obradović – 17. Krasić, 10. Stanković, 11. Milijaš, 14. M. Jovanović (7. Janković ’61) – 9. Pantelić (81. Subotić ’66), 15. Zigić. Coach:Radomir Antić
The team of referees came from Italy, with Matteo Trefoloni at the center, assisted on the sidelines by Alessandro Stagnoli and Renato Faverani, while Nicola Rizzoli was nominated reserve referee.
The 3-2 victory over Romania allows Serbia to stay top of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying Group 7. Serbia have 12 points from five matches while Romania have four points from as many games.
Romania must now strengthen up for its next match on April 1 against Austria, who are also Serbia’s next opponents, on June 6.