Romania fail to find breakthrough in Kazakhstan

Romania wasted the chance to stamp their authority on Group E as they were held to a goalless draw by Kazakhstan in Astana.

An early kickoff handed the visitors an opportunity to move three points clear of Poland and Montenegro but they rarely threatened during a drab contest.

Bogdan Stancu drilled two low efforts wide during the first half and created the game's best opening three minutes from time, when goalkeeper Stas Pokatilov fumbled the Genclerbirligi forward's cross.

Sergey Khizhnichenko's second-half brace had seen Kazakhstan stun Poland by earning a 2-2 draw in their group opener, but he squandered the hosts' best chance.

Romanian TV network DolceSport reported that money and other objects had been stolen from players and staff at the team's hotel before the match.