ROMANIA, Ireland's main opponents in group eight, made a solid start to their campaign, beating Lithuania 3-0 on Saturday. Romania, without star player Gheorghe Hagi, who pulled a muscle during training on Friday, took the lead in the 21st minute, striker Viorel Moldovan heading home an excellent cross from Steaua Bucharest's Adrian Ilie.

A second headed goal from Chelsea's Dan Petrescu gave the Romanians a two goal lead in the second half, and Constantin Galca added a third with a powerful strike from the edge of the box 13 minutes from time.

A heroic performance by Lithuanian goalkeeper Gintaras Stauce kept the score respectable.