Greece has taken a significant step toward securing a place in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, putting in a strong performance on Friday evening to defeat Romania 3-1 in the first leg of the play-offs. Despite facing early pressure from the Romanians in the first quarter of an hour, the tide turned in favor of the 2004 European champions.
The Greeks opened the scoring in the 14th minute when Mitroglou, launched behind the defense on the edge of offside, found the net thanks to a rebound from the left. Romania quickly responded, equalizing in the 19th minute with a free kick from Torje, headed in at the far post by Bogdan Stancu.
However, the joy for Romania was short-lived, as Greece regained the lead a minute later through Salpingidis. Mitroglou, once again, solidified their advantage in the second half with a half-volley in the 66th minute, capitalizing on a shot deflected with a header by Katsouranis from the left side by Samaras.
With a two-goal lead, Greece will now travel to Romania on Tuesday for the return leg, holding a favorable position in their quest for a spot in the 2014 World Cup.
