EURO 2018, women’s handball: Romania defeated by the Netherlands, takes 4th position

The national women’s handball team of Romania was defeated on Sunday by the Netherlands 24-20 (15-8) in the match for the bronze medal at the European Championship 2018 in France.

Romania had a very poor first half, whereas the Netherlands a good game, leading at halftime 15-8.

Cristina Neagu, Romania’s best player, did not play, being injured during the match against Hungary this week, suffering from rupture of crossed ligaments.

The beginning of the second half was not much different, the Netherlands leading by eight goals in the 33^rd minute (16-8). Romania’s best period was in the last 15 minutes, when it succeeded to recover from the goal difference, but the hopes were in vain after all. The Netherlands won 24-20.

Romania thus is 4^th in the European Championship, up from the 5^th position at the previous championship, but remains with only one medal the bronze won in 2010.

Teams:

Romania: Denisa Dedu (10 saves), Yuliya Dumanska (3 saves) – Laura Chiper (3 goals), Aneta Udriştioiu, Melinda Geiger (2), Ana-Maria Dragut, Cristina Laslo (2), Mădălina Zamfirescu (2), Eliza Buceschi (2), Crina Pintea (1), Raluca Băcăoanu, Gabriela Perianu (2), Bianca Bazaliu, Cristina Florică, Valentina Ardean-Elisei (6). Coach: Ambros Martin.

The Netherlands: Tess Wester (14 saves) – Debbie Bont (1), Angela Malestein (4), Charris Rozemalen, Merel Freriks, Kelly Dulfer (1), Estavana Polman (7), Nycke Groot (5), Delaila Amega, Maura Visser, Lois Abbingh (4), Laura van der Heijden (1), Inger Smits (1), Lynn Knippenborg (1). Coach: Helle Thomsen.