Steve McClaren's side headed to the Romanian capital to face already-eliminated Steaua knowing victory would guarantee their progress, but anything less would not be good enough if FC Sheriff beat Group H winners Fenerbahce. The Eredivisie outfit managed only a point, secured when Ronnie Stam's deflected equaliser cancelled out Pantelis Kapetanos' opener, but Fener's 1-0 home win ensured the two dropped points did not prove costly. Despite being unable to qualify themselves, Steaua started brightly and tested Sander Boschker in the ninth minute through a Cristian Tanase shot. Their positivity paid off in the 18th minute - partly thanks to a misjudgment from Boschker. Banel Nicolita nicked possession just inside the Twente half and threaded a neat ball from the left through to Kapetanos. Boschker should have cut it out but instead allowed the ball to run under his body and through to Kapetanos, who took full advantage. The lead lasted just over quarter of an hour before Stam levelled matters. His shot deflected off the backside of Steaua captain Sorin Ghionea and looped into Robinson Zapata's net. Steaua looked to re-establish their lead in the second half, Boschker doing well to punch a Janos Szekely free-kick away to safety nine minute after the restart. Ionut Rada then tried his luck from distance but Boschker was in position to make a comfortable save. Stam fired over at the other end before the hour as Twente looked for the winner to ease any lingering doubts about their progress but, with Sheriff a goal down to Ugur Boral's early striker in Turkey , there was little urgency. Kapetanos had a half chance to put Steaua ahead again midway through the second period, but his mis-hit right-footed blast flew over the bar. Blaise Nkufo struck a shot wide moments later for Twente and then substitute Bernard Parker burst through seven minutes from time but could not get his shot away. The winning goal was not forthcoming but Sheriff's failure to win in Turkey ensured Twente will nevertheless join Fenerbahce in Friday`s draw for the knockout phase. |