Group G/ Romania 1 Netherlands 0: Defender Dorin Goian was hailed as a hero yesterday by the local press after his second-half goal on Saturday night helped Romania to a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands and lifted his side to the top Group G.

In a match largely dominated by Marco van Basten's men, the Steaua Bucharest central defender made the difference.

"It was the goal of my career," Goian said after the victory in Constanta. "Our hero," declared newspaper headlines. "He scored a huge goal," added the sports daily Pro Sport.

Romania, undefeated in nine qualifying matches, recorded their first win against the Netherlands on a soaked pitch, to move three points clear of their opponents on 23 points.

The Netherlands remain second on 20 points with third-placed Bulgaria, who did not play on Saturday, on 18. Romania travel to Luxembourg on Wednesday and meet Bulgaria away in November.

"It is a huge step towards qualifying for next year's finals," Romania coach Victor Piturca said.

Goian scored from close range on 72 minutes after goalkeeper Maarten Skeletenburg deflected a headed effort from Paul Codrea.

"Extraordinary," said Goian. "It was the most important goal of my career." It was his third goal for Romania in the qualifying campaign and he added to his memorable game by stopping a ball on the goal line in the dying seconds.

"It was a tough match . . . a real battle and you have to play your own game and that is what we didn't do," Netherlands coach van Basten said.

"Now we have three more matches to go and we need seven points to qualify and that is what we will focus on."