A goal in the 90th minute by Dan Petrescu, the attacking wing-back signed by England coach Glenn Hoddle when he was manager of Chelsea, clinched Romania their victory and maintained their fine recent World Cup record.

Chasing a long pass into the penalty area he held off a challenge from his Chelsea club mate Graeme le Saux and then steered a low shot beneath advancing goalkeeper David Seaman.

The goal -- his 12th for his country -- came at the end of a dramatic, roller-coaster of a match which produced two goals in the final six minutes and almost saw England draw level again with seconds remaining.

After Petrescu had scored, England substitute Michael Owen who had scrambled an equaliser six minutes earlier following Viorel Moldovan's 47th minute opener, hit the post and then beat the ground with his fists.

Hisfrustration was felt throughout the England side who refused to give up until the final whistle.

The result ensured Romania, whose rotating players often left England chasing shadows, reached the second round for the third successive finals. It also brought long-awaited revenge for their 1-0 defeat by England in Mexico in 1970 in their only previous World Cup finals meeting.

England played a full part in the dramas, but Romania demonstrated superior individual technique and more inventive tactics.

Romania also had, in veteran midfielder Gheorghe Hagi and striker Adrian Ilie, the two most menacing and skilful players on the pitch. But Owen, in only 16 minutes, showed he had the potential to be a match-winner for England.

Roared on by their army of supporters, England had the best of the first half during which a hooked shot by Teddy Sheringham bounced wide and ilie hit the bar.

But after losing defensive midfielder Paul Ince with a twisted ankle after 32 minutes, they conceded the initiative. Hisreplacement, David Beckham, was unable to subdue Hagi while Paul Scholes was closely marked by Constantin Galca.

Romania took control and the lead early in the second half when Hagi flicked on a throw-in for Moldovan, who also plays in England at Coventry City, to evade Tony Adams easily and fire home his 13th goal for his country.

It seemed to be enough when a cross-shot by Darren Anderton bounced agonisingly wide for England. But Owen's introduction for Sheringham revitalised their attack and he rammed the ball home in a scramble following an 83rd minute cross by Alan Shearer to spark the final dramas.