Denmark, a show of strength before the “quarters” derby with Romania » Ranking of group A at the women's handball WC
Article by Adrian Jitea – Published Saturday, November 29, 2025 9:23 p.m. / Updated Saturday, November 29, 2025 11:34 p.m.
Denmark beat Croatia 35-24 in the second round of Group A at the Women's Handball World Championship. The Nordics are Romania's next opponents, Monday, December 1, from 9:30 p.m.
- Reporter Adrian Jitea and photojournalist Ionuț Iordache are in Rotterdam with the Romanian national team and transmit all the information and images that matter.
In Rotterdam Ahoy, the day started with Romania's victory over Japan, score 31-27. The “tricolors” trained by Ovidiu Mihăilă thus ensured their qualification with two points in the main group stage.
In a quieter atmosphere, with slightly fewer people, even if tricolor shirts could be noticed in all sectors, followed the duel between the favorite Denmark and a wounded Croatia.
Denmark, easy victory over Croatia
The chances of a possible surprise lasted only 10 minutes. The Danes stepped up their defense and widened the gap to 16-10 at halftime.
The difference was even greater in the second half. With a “long bench”, the Nordics dominated the duel from a physical point of view. Fresher, with MVP nominee Elma Halilcevic lethal on the counterattack, Denmark quickly broke away to 11 goals.
The final was in total control, 35-24.
On Monday, December 1, group A will know its outcome. From 19:00, Croatia and Japan will fight for qualification in the main group.
On the other hand, Denmark and Romania will try to collect the additional points that will bring them closer to the quarter-finals.
Ranking of group A from the Women's Handball World Championship:
|
Nation |
puncture |
goal difference |
|
1. Denmark |
4 |
71-43 |
|
2. Romania |
4 |
64-51 |
|
3. Croatia |
0 |
48-68 |
|
4. Japan |
0 |
46-67 |
In the next phase, the pairing is made with group B, one from which the representatives of Hungary, Switzerland and Senegal will come. From the resulting group of 6, the top two will go to the quarter-finals.
Schedule and results of group A from the World Championship:
FINAL. Croatia – Denmark 24-35
Min. 54: Kristina Jorgensen scores from long range, total attack by the Danes. 21-33
Min. 46: Emma Friis completes a superb action. 18-29
Min. 39: Elma Halilcevic submits her candidacy for the MVP trophy, another fruitful counterattack, 6 goals from 7 throws. 13-24
The second half has begun!
Denmark is ahead at halftime, score 16-10.
Min. 25: It's the Croatian coach's turn to ask for a rest period. 8-13
Min. 20: Helle Thomsen calls time-out. 8-10
Min. 10: Denmark's defense is starting to do its job. 3-5
Min. 1: Barisic scores with a shot from long range, Hansen is blocked. 1-0
Around 800 spectators are present in Rotterdam Ahoy at the start of the match.
