The second-last day of Women’s EHF EURO 2018 main round
matches saw Group II take centre stage for two crucial clashes. Romania took a
step closer to reaching the semi-finals for the third time in history with a
hard-fought victory over Spain, before Norway pulled off another 13-goal win –
this time versus their EURO 2016 final opponents the Netherlands.
Group II is completely open after Tuesday night’s matches in
Nancy, as five teams remain in the race for the semi-finals. Spain are the only
side without a chance to proceed to the next stage, so it was something of a
surprise when they claimed the upper hand versus Romania in the first match of
the day.
With just one goal scored in the first 13 minutes, Romania
were in a dangerous position, trailing 1:6 by the time they added to the score
board again. The 2015 World Championship bronze medallists did a remarkable job
fighting their way back to a 10:12 deficit at half-time, and took the advantage
for the first time in the 42nd minute off a goal from Cristina Florica.
Romania did not relinquish the lead from that point and
finished with a 27:25 win that took them to six points at the top of the table
alongside the Netherlands. Their line player Crina Pintea received the player
of the match award, while Cristina Neagu top scored with seven.
The Netherlands had the chance to pull their tally up to
eight points when they took the court versus Norway in the second match of the
evening, but the 2017 World Championship bronze medallists could not match
their opponents’ performance. Norway were in control from start to finish,
leading 15:7 at the break and finishing with a 29:16 win.
After an incredible match in which she saved at 48%,
Norway’s stalwart between the posts, Katrine Lunde, was awarded player of the
match.
On Wednesday evening, Group II’s two places in the
semi-finals will be decided. The Netherlands and Romania need only a draw in
their encounters, while Norway, Hungary and Germany can qualify with victories
and the other match results working in their favour.
More information is
available on the official website
of the EHF EURO.
Photo: EHF/ Kolektiff Images