Soccer-Romania beat Russia 3-0 in friendly

BUCHAREST, March 26 (Reuters) - Romania beat Russia 3-0 in a friendly on Wednesday with goals from strikers Ciprian Marica, Daniel Nicuale and Marius Niculae.

Romania dominated the match against a Russian team drawn entirely from the domestic championship, with VfB Stuttgart striker Marica opening the scoring from the edge of the area on the stroke of half-time.

Coach Victor Piturca took off Adrian Mutu and Cristian Chivu at the break and substitute Daniel Niculae made it 2-0 after 60 minutes.

Inverness forward Marius Niculae scored the third with a header from Banel Nicolita's cross from the right in the 76th.

Marius Popa made his debut in goal for Romania when he replaced the unwell Bogdan Lobont.