Germany survived a scare in Liege as Romania let the defending European champions off the hook. Viorel Moldovan put Romania ahead but was guilty of missing a series of chances to win the game, including a second-half howler, after Mehmet Scholl's spectacular equaliser.
Romania gained control of the game when they caught the European champions cold with a fifth-minute strike. Adrian Ilie skipped past Thomas Linke on the left wing as the German defender lost his footing. The Valencia striker cut a dangerous low cross into the goalmouth and Viorel Moldovan smashed it into the roof of the net from close range. It was Hagi who inspired another Romania opening in the 18th minute. The veteran midfielder pulled defenders out of position with a clever right-wing run before he back-heeled the ball to Ilie on the corner of the penalty box. Ilie crossed to the back post but Moldovan's header flashed over.
Bogdan Stelea produced a wonderful one-handed save to keep out a header from Oliver Bierhoff. But the keeper was beaten by a spectacular strike in the 28th minute. Germany, enjoying their best possession of the game, engineered a move down their right wing, which ended with Mehmet Scholl firing a left-foot shot into the top corner beyond the bewildered Stelea. Germany replaced Linke with Marko Rehmer at half-time and the sub was caught napping by a direct Romania attack. He was slow to deal with a high ball, allowing Moldovan to nip in behind him, steal the ball and drive in a shot from an acute angle. Kahn saved with his body. Hagi swerved a cross into the box after a short corner. Again Moldovan was on the end of it but again his header was just off target.
Bierhoff went even closer. The AC Milan hitman met Scholl's centre with a powerful header but it clipped the foot of the post with Stelea stranded. Moldovan should have fired his country back into the lead in the 68th minute when he had two bites at a wonderful chance. Kahn blocked Ilie's route to goal but the loose ball spilled to Moldovan. He had a tame shot blocked by Jens Nowotny then smashed the rebound high and wide with the goal at his mercy.
The game finished 1-1
PA Sport
