Romania and Albania book Euro 2016 spots

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Romania and Albania have successfully reached Euro 2016, with two more berths in the finals still to be decided on Sunday as the final round of qualifying matches continues.

Constantin Budescu struck twice and Alexandru Maxim was also on target as Romania secured their place in France with a 3-0 victory in the Faroe Islands.

Budescu opened the scoring in the fourth minute in rain-soaked Torshavn and added another with a cross-shot on the stroke of half-time.

Alexandru Maxim (left), pictured in action against Northern Ireland, helped secure Romania’s qualification.

The Faroes did make life difficult for the visitors but substitute Maxim eased nerves seven minutes from time, sending Romania through as Group F runners-up behind Northern Ireland with an unbeaten record.

Albania also qualified as runners-up in Group I, beating Armenia 3-0 to advance to their first major tournament.

Portugal concluded their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win in Serbia, who finished the game with nine men.

With their place in next summer’s finals already assured, Portugal coach Fernando Santos allowed talisman Cristiano Ronaldo extra time off before returning to club side Real Madrid.

Nani gave the Group I winners a fifth-minute lead, before Zoran Tosic equalised an hour later. Serbia were not level for long as Joao Moutinho’s delightful curling shot after 78 minutes restored Portugal’s lead.

Aleksandar Kolarov was sent off for protesting that the goal should not have stood and then in the 81st minute, Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic was also shown a red card for swiping his arm at Andre Andre during an aerial duel.

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