The Romanian women’s national handball team was defeated by Hungary on Tuesday in Novi Sad, 25-19 (14-12 at half time), in the decisive game for a place in the semifinals of the European Championships. Despite the bad weather, dozens of Romanian fans went to Novi Sad to encourage the team in its dispute with eternal rivals Hungary. Klivinyi opened the score in a game that was decisive for both teams in their bids to reach the semifinals, but Bradeanu quickly equalized for Romania even though Romania’s attack was jeered by the Hungarian fans. The balance was maintained, 2-2 (5th min), Ungureanu having two successful parries. Cristina Neagu scored her third game in the 21st minute, score 8-7 for Romania, Meirosu giving Romania a two-goal lead afterwards. Hungary’s Gorbicz scored her first goal in the 22nd minute, 9-8 for Romania, Neagu giving Romania a two-goal lead again in the 24th minute, 10-8. Hungary eventually equalized, 11-11, and things got complicated for Romania when Triscsuk put Hungary back in the lead in the 27th minute, 12-11. Neagu equalized for Romania, 12-12, but the half time break found Hungary in the lead, 14-12. Romanian goalkeeper Tolnai entered in the second half but that did not matter for Gorbicz, 15-12 (32nd min). Szamoransky hiked Hungary’s lead to 16-12 but Romania cut it back down to 16-14. Failed attacks from both sides ensued, goalies Tolnai and Kiss standing out in both teams. The Romanian players started losing ball after ball. Hungary was not any better but at the safety of their lead they knew how to capitalize on each of their opponents’ mistakes, 22-17 (52nd minute). Romania called for a time-out but that did not change anything until the end, Gheorghe Tadici’s players suffering a difficult to explain breakdown, managing to score only 5 goals in 24 minutes and only 7 goals in the second half as a whole. Hungary won the game, 25-19, and qualified for the EC semifinals, Romania being unable to take advantage of the favorable results registered by their opponents. Romania will next play against Germany on Thursday (7.15 PM).
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