Romania lost their grip on top spot in European Championship qualifying Group F after a hard-fought goalless draw against Hungary in Budapest.

But the Romanians will be happier with a point which maintains their three-point gap over their hosts with four relatively favourable group fixtures remaining.

The visitors started well with Claudiu Keseru coming close from an early free-kick and also forcing the first save of the night from Gabor Kiraly on the half-hour.

But Hungary finished the first half on top with Nemanja Nikolic firing just over the bar and Adam Szalai shooting straight at Romanian keeper Ciprian Tatarusanu.

Desperate for a third straight win to boost their chances of avoiding a qualification playoff, the Hungarians tried gamely to impose themselves on the second half.

Zoltan Stieber forced an early save out of Tatarusanu but chances proved few and far between for both sides with Keseru missing the target with a rare Romanian effort in the 68th minute.

Romania looked stronger in the dying minutes with Vlad Chiriches coming close then Gabriel Torje bringing a save out of Kiraly.

Keseru, who had proved a constant threat to the Hungarian defence all night, came close with another chance to grab a winner which would have strengthened his side's position at the top of the group.

Meanwhile a late miscued effort from Balazs Dzsudzsak proved the hosts' last chance in what was a frustrating night in their quest to boost their chances of returning to a major finals.