Article by Ionuţ Iordache, Adrian Jitea – Published Saturday, November 29, 2025, 2:21 p.m. / Updated Saturday, November 29, 2025, 2:26 p.m.
The Argentinian Valentina Menucci (24 years old) could not be ignored in Rotterdam Ahoy, in the match that her national team lost to the Netherlands, score 25-32.
Argentina performed honorably against the host Netherlands. An important role was also played by goalkeeper Valentina Menucci, registered in Spain, at Cb Zonzamas.
Each of the 7 lifesaving interventions was followed by an explosion of joy. And the goals of the teammates were celebrated noisily, which was also appreciated by the 9,000 Dutch fans present in Rotterdam Ahoy.
PHOTO GALLERY. Valentina Menucci, sensation in Rotterdam Ahoy
Menucci also got his name on the goalscoring list, a success from his own half. There was an equally great joy at the end of the game, in the mixed zone.
He met with Tess Lieder (Wester), world champion goalkeeper with the Netherlands in 2019, who also spent her career at CSM Bucharest. The interaction between the two was published by the IHF:
- Valentini: I'm a big fan of yours!
- Tess: You did so well today!
- Valentini: Oh, thank you!
- Tess: You really did a good job.
Tess Lieder retired this year. In Rotterdam, he plays the role of ambassador of the World Championship.
Valentina Menucci, about the invitation to the World Cup: “It's worth any sacrifice”
The emotions unleashed during the match have an explanation in the statements provided by Valentina at the start of the tournament.
The World Championship is a dream come true. I am not yet aware that it is happening to me, a pride that cannot be explained in words. This summons makes all the sacrifices, the departure to Spain and the distance from the loved ones, nothing matters anymore.
I found out about the summons in a crazy way. I was sleeping and the batch was dropped on a news site in Argentina. The phone started ringing, I immediately called home and started crying with my mother, Lorena. He was with me from 10 to 20 years old, he came to every game. He sacrificed every weekend. I always thought about everything he did to see me happy. I owe it to them that I got here
– Valentina Menucci, according to TDC Radio
Group E schedule at the Women's Handball World Championship:
- November 28 » Austria – Egypt 29-20
- November 28 » Netherlands – Argentina 32-25
- November 30, 19:00 » Austria – Argentina
- November 30, 21:30 » Egypt – Netherlands
- December 2, 19:00 » Argentina – Egypt
- December 2, 21:30 » Netherlands – Austria
