Defoe brace claims Spurs group win

Jermain Defoe struck twice against Dinamo Bucharest at White Hart Lane as Tottenham secured top place in their UEFA Cup group following their 3-1 victory.

Defoe struck either side of the interval, while Dimitar Berbatov maintained his goalscoring streak with the opener as Spurs completed their 10th straight win at home.

Jean-Philippe Mendy pulled a goal back in injury-time with a cool finish but the game had been wrapped up long before he struck.

Spurs had qualified for the knockout stages but were looking for a point to secure top place in Group B and a favourable draw for the next round - and from kick-off they never appeared content with a draw.

The visitors, who were without influential striker Claudiu Niculescu, had also already qualified for the next round, which is in February, and will now face a team dropping out of the Champions League.

Dinamo were immediately on the back foot. Hossam Ghaly, returning to the starting XI, set up early chances for Defoe and Berbatov which were both wasted, while Tom Huddlestone drilled an effort after three minutes which goalkeeper Uladzimir Hayeu tipped around the post.

However, it was Berbatov's quick thinking which gave Spurs the lead in the 17th minute. The Bulgarian had seen his weak effort saved by Hayeu but then stayed alert to intercept the goalkeeper's throw and lashed into the top corner.

Defoe doubled the lead with his seventh from seven starts when he collected the ball from Paul Robinson in the 39th minute, and danced around Stefan Radu before showing his pace and cool head with his finish.

Defoe extended the lead five minutes into the second half, tapping in after Ghaly was found by Berbatov and the ball broke for the England striker to roll home.

Substitute Mendy pulled a goal back in injury-time with a cool finish but the game had been wrapped up long before he struck.