Women’s handball: Romania defeats Austria to qualify to European Championship

Romania’s women’s handball team has qualified on Thursday to the European Championship 2018 after defeating Austria 28-25 (13-11) in Innsbruck, a match counting for the 4^th qualifying group.

Romania cannot miss the first two positions in the group which grant access to the final tournament in France. Romania is to play for the 12^th time at the European Championships.

Romania won the match after lots of anxiety, although it led most of the match, but failing to have a decisive goal difference.

Romania missed five 7 metres penalties, Austria only three.

Melinda Geiger was eliminated, with red card, in the 48^th minute for hitting the Austrian team’s goalkeeper with the ball in the face.

Romania was led 5-3 and 8-7 (14^th min and 19^th min), then led by 10-8 (26^th min) to lead 13-11 at half time.

In the second half, Romania led by four goals 15-11 (32ns min), then 23-19 (46^th min). However, Austria managed to level the score in the 55^th minute, 24-24. In a thrilling last part of the match, Romania succeeded to score four goals against one and won 28-25.

Romania scorers: Eliza Buceschi 8 goals, Cristina Neagu 7, Melinda Geiger 4, Valentina Ardean-Elisei 3, Crina Pintea 2, Laura Chiper 1, Laura Pristaviţă 1, Laura Popa 1, Raluca Băcăoanu 1.

Austria scorers: Beate Scheffknecht 9 goals, Sonja Frey 5, Mirela Dedic 3, Josefine Huber 2, Tamara Boesch 2, Johanna Schindler 2, Romana Gerisch 1, Julia Feierle 1.

Standings: 1. Romania – 8 points, 2. Russia – 6 points, 3. Austria – 6 points, 4. Portugal – 0 points.

On June 3 the last matches of the group are to be played: Russia vs. Austria and Romania vs. Portugal.

file photo