Romania’s men’s handball team failed against Spain on Sunday. One of the best teams in the world, the Iberian representative won with a score of 36-24.

Romanian men’s handball teamPhoto: IMAGO / imago sportfotodienst / Profimedia

Romania – Spain 24-36 (12-17) at the European Men’s Handball Championship

After losing their opener against Austria 31-24, Romania also lost their second game in their return to EC after a 28-year absence.

At the “SAP Arena” in Mannheim, the tricolors started very confidently, and the first minutes were somewhat balanced.

The end of the first part, however, brought a break for Spain, which went to the cabins with an advantage of five goals (17-12).

In the second half, the Iberians authoritatively controlled the game, and by the end the difference in the standings had grown significantly.

Two defeats sent Romania to the bottom of the group standings with a stage to go.

In another Group B match, Croatia and Austria will meet at 21:30.

European Men’s Handball Championship, Group B standings

1. Croatia – 2 points (39:29) -1 match

2. Austria – 2 points (31:24) -1 match

3. Spain – 2 points (65:63)

4. Romania – 0 points (48:67)

January 12

Austria – Romania 31-24

January 14

Romania – Spain 24-36

January 16

19:00 Croatia – Romania

What do the EC men’s handball groups look like?

Group A: France, North Macedonia, Switzerland, Germany

Group B: Spain, Croatia, Austria, Romania

Group C: Hungary, Serbia, Iceland, Montenegro

Group D: Norway, Slovenia, Poland, Faroe Islands

Group E: Sweden, Netherlands, Bosnia, Giorgis

Group F: Denmark, Portugal, Czech Republic, Greece

Know:

  • The first two places in each group advance to the main groups.
  • Matches in the main groups will take place on January 17-24 in Hamburg and Cologne.
  • The first two places from the main groups will advance to the semi-finals (they will be held on January 26).
  • The finals (small and large) will be held on January 28 in Cologne.
  • Romania last participated in the World Cup in 1996, when they finished the competition in 9th place out of 12 participating teams.
  • The title of European champion is Sweden (the title won in 2022).