It was more or less a Romanian “B-selection” on court (without players such as Neagu, Buceschi or Ardean), after they had been confirmed group winners already on Thursday. “Of course we gave our key players some time to rest. They needed a break. France played fast in the first half, but after the break we were quite strong,” said Romania’s Spanish born coach Ambros Martin, germanyhandball2017.com informs. France defeated Romania 26-17 (17-7) on Friday.
Latest at the break and the French 17-7 lead, the deal was sealed, as the Olympic runners-ups were backed by a great defence and the in total 16 saves of goalkeeper Cleopatre Darleux. “We are improving from match to match though we faced a young and inexperienced Romanian team today,” said French coach Olivier Krumbholz. His side had started with an impressive 7-2 initial run, the second half was more or less equal. Best scorers were Manon Houette by seven goals for France and Cristina Florianu by six strikes for the Romanians. “Our fate in the last sixteen round is in our hands, all depe3nds on us,” Ana-Maria Popa is confident to beat the Czech Republic in Leipzig.
In the last sixteen round Romania duel with the Czechs, France lock horns with Hungary, Spain face Norway and Slovenia duel with Sweden. All matches will take place in Leipzig on Sunday and Monday.
Group A results:
Angola vs Paraguay 32-28 (16-17)
Spain vs Slovenia 33-26 (13-14)