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Vlad eyes Black Cats after key win for Romania

Tue 09 September 2014, 16:30|Tottenham Hotspur

Vlad Chiriches wore a contented smile as he got back to work at Spurs following a ‘massive win’ for Romania in Euro 2016 qualifying on Sunday.

Romania found themselves up against Greece in Piraeus in their Group G opener - a rematch after the teams met in last year’s play-offs for a place at the World Cup.

Greece got the better of Romania 4-2 on aggregate over two legs but Vlad made sure that result was avenged somewhat with a 1-0 victory achieved despite going down to 10 men with 30 minutes remaining.

It is likely to be Romania’s toughest match in Group G - not least as Greece qualified for the World Cup play-offs with eight wins and a draw in 10 matches over the European qualification process, conceding just four goals.

“It was a massive win for us,” said Vlad, who earned his 25th cap. “It was different circumstances from when we played last year and it was great to win.

“Greece had a good record in the World Cup qualification so hopefully we can build on this and do the same against Hungary in our next game.”

Vlad quickly turned his attentions to preparations for our return to action at Sunderland on Saturday.

We completed the double over the Black Cats last term and Vlad, injured for the away match, was in the team that won 5-1 at the Lane in April.

“We need to get back on track after Liverpool and I think we can do it,” he said, referring to our 3-0 loss against the Reds last time out.

“It will be tough, it usually is away from home, but I hope we will be better and win this game. I certainly believe we have the quality to win it.”