Armenia scored two late goals to beat Romania 3-2 and win their third straight match in European World Cup qualifying Group J.

The game was a throwback to pre-Covid 19 days with a loud crowd of more than 4,000 allowed into the Republican Stadium and they celebrated wildly at the final whistle of a dramatic win for Armenia, who have never qualified for a major tournament.

Armenia, ranked 99th in the world, had beaten Liechtenstein and Iceland before taking on a Romania side viewed as strong candidates to make the play-offs behind group favourites Germany.

Eduard Spertsyan put Armenia ahead in the 56th minute but Romania levelled through Alexandru Cicaldau six minutes later.

Cicaldau then made it 2-1 with a powerful header in the 72nd minute, which looked to have given the Romanians the three points before a dramatic finale to the game.

Romania's George Puscas was sent off in the 78th for a dangerous challenge, his raised foot crashing into his opponent's chest.

Television replays suggested the goal was offside but, with no VAR in use, the Romanian appeals were to no avail and their night was to get worse.

In the 89th minute, Alexandru Cretu was ruled to have impeded Spertsyan and amid the noise and excitement Barseghyan calmly converted the winner from the spot.