Classy Romania make sure in opening half

Romania shot to the top of UEFA Women's Championship Group Five standings yesterday after thumping Malta 8-0 at the Tedesco Stadium.

Gheorghe Staicu's team were miles ahead of the Maltese hosts and now look favourites to win promotion to the elite four-group top tier in the continental rankings.

The Eastern Europeans were superior in all departments with slick captain Daniela Simona Pufulete and sturdy midfielder Luiza Leu the main inspiration behind most of the team's moves. At half-time they easily led 7-0.

There was little locals could have done to limit the damage even though Malta coach Pierre Brincat could have effected his substitutions earlier in his bid to revive the team's fortunes.

Goalkeeper Tonina Dimech had an off-day and a couple of our red-shirted players were clearly feeling the extra pressure of international football. Striker Dionne Tonna, along with captain Rebecca D'Agostino and Dorianna Theuma being Malta's best pick in the first half, did manage to put the ball in Romania's net just before the break but the Portuguese referee incredibly disallowed the goal and awarded a foul outside the box. The visitors' goalkeeper escaped with a caution.

Quick goals by Pufulete, Spanu and Leu gave Romania an early 3-0 lead. Other goals from Leu, again, Albon and another Pufulete brace saw Romania going in for the break seven goals up.

Brincat's half-time talk must have left its effect as his players responded with a better display after the break.

Romania only scored one other goal, through Adriana Burtica in the 71st minute, before substitute Maria Coppola missed a sitter from close-in. Albon marred her day with an 88th-minute red card for dissent.

In the end, another 9-0 drubbing, like the one suffered to Ireland last October, was avoided but a great deal of work and hard training is required for the national team to figure more prominently at this level.