Early goals send Romanians to top

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BUCHAREST, Romania -- Romania scored twice in the opening 10 minutes on their way to a 3-1 defeat of Belarus in Bucharest and top place in Euro 2008 Group G.

Robin van Persie's 62nd minute equalizer gave the Netherlands a 1-1 draw in Bulgaria, which them level on points and goal difference with the Romanians, who have scored two more goals.

Slovenia beat Luxembourg 2-0 in the group's basement clash.

Adrian Mutu converted a cross from Florentin Petre for his 21st goal in 49 matches for Romania after seven minutes and Shakhtar Donetsk striker Ciprian Marica added the second to leave Belarus reeling.

Belarus got back into the match when Sergei Kornilenko scored from inside the area after 20 minutes.

Kornilenko failed to convert two great opportunities early in the second half, home keeper Daniel Coman coming to the rescue after defensive errors.

Romania were given some breathing space when central defender Dorin Goian, called in at the last minute to replace injured Sorin Ghionea, headed home 14 minute from time.

Police used tear gas to quell fan violence during half-time.

Fourth goal

Atletico Madrid winger Martin Petrov put Bulgaria in front against the Netherlands in Sofia in the 12th minute with his fourth goal of the campaign.

He fired a low shot from a tight angle that gave Edwin van der Sar no chance.

The Dutch suffered another setback four minutes later when Dirk Kuyt went off injured. He was replaced by 19-year-old Ryan Babel.

The visitors had several chances to level the score in the first half. A van Persie drive hit the bar while Arjen Robben drilled a thunderous shot from the edge of the area which went just wide.

They equalized in the 62nd minute when Andre Ooijer crossed from the right and van Persie squeezed past Stanislav Angelov and Elin Topuzakov to head in.

Petrov picked up a booking and will miss Bulgaria's next game, away to Luxembourg on Wednesday. The Netherlands host Albania.

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