Bailey Peacock-Farrell hailed Northern Ireland's character as they came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw in Bucharest.
Ian Baraclough's side had it all to do after trailing to George Puscas' 25th-minute opener and then watching Josh Magennis pick up two bookings before the break.
It was substitute Gavin Whyte who rescued the point with four minutes remaining, heading home Kyle Lafferty's knockdown.
"It was a difficult one. Our backs were up against the wall early on after going a man down," goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell said.
"Obviously Jonny Evans isn't here for personal reasons as well, so it was difficult from the start.
"I thought the character from the lads was spot on to grind it out.
"At half-time it was more about we are still in it, and the longer we stayed in the game the more frustrated they became.
"The likelihood of us nicking one would grow, and we had to stay positive. And it worked out for us."
Magennis was sent off for two bookings received in the first half.
Both were for similar offences, the striker raising his arm as he challenged for aerial balls.
Peacock-Farrell said: "I felt like we didn't get the rub of the green on a few decisions, but I didn't see Josh's yellow cards.
"I was aware of the threats before when it was 11 vs 11, and they have some good players there who are sharp on the ball."
Much of tonight's win could be credited to Peacock-Farrell who produced a string of stunning saves to deny Romania.
Corry Evans also knocked a Romanian cross onto his own post as Northern Ireland rode their luck.
"Going down to 10 men the lads were running their socks off and I knew I would be called into action. I was just doing my job," Peacock-Farrell said.
The Burnley keeper also had special praise for Daniel Ballard who made his senior debut.
"Daniel did amazing. I am really proud of him," he said.
"To be thrown into the middle at the last minute, the composure he showed was brilliant."
Northern Ireland now return to Belfast to face Norway on Monday night.
"Norway is massive. In the group stags you have to keep picking up points," Peacock-Farrell said.
"To come away with a point gives us a good standing for Norway."
