Romania's national polo team narrowly defeated Turkey, 20-19, but secured its step to the next phase of the European Championship

Romania bow clear favorite in front Turkey in the second match of group D at the European Championship, especially after the dominated victory of the “tricolors” in the duel with Slovakia16-8.

In addition, she was unbeaten in all previous encounters against this opponent with a brave profile, but no major results at the international level.

An initial picture that quickly changed colors after the match started in Belgrade Arena, although Tudor Fulea quickly opened the score with a precise throw from 6 meters. After another minute, the opponents equalized and then went ahead with a superior success.

The balance was restored in the first half with Matei Luțescu's success from Andrei Prioteasa's pass, another tie at 3 thanks to Prioteasa, but then things took a favorable turn for the opponents, who were increasingly aggressive and determined.

Surprising start to the match, with Turkey in the lead

It also mattered when the referees reviewed an attacking phase of the Turks, determining that the ball entered the goal, although initially no goal had been awarded. Instead of 4-4, the scoreboard read 5-3 for the players trained by Bogdan Rath. The first half ended at 5-4 for the opponents.

The coach of the national polo team, Bogdan Rath Photo: Imago Images

What followed, however, visibly surprised: an unexpected departure of the Turkish team to 8-4then 9-5during three and a half minutes in which the haste and hesitation of the “tricolors” made them make exaggerated mistakes.

But Rath inspiredly called a timeout, and soon the situation turned completely upside down. Vlad Georgescu, then Neamțu and Iudean shortened the distance to 8-9. After 8-10, another flawless run, with the successes of Iudean, Fulea and Neamțu, and at the big break ours had returned to the advantage, 11-10.

The third part was tight until the halfway point, however with Romania in front, breathing a little more freely. In the end, the distance came to three lengths, first 16-13, then 17-14 and 18-15, several interventions from the gate by Țicu and a stronger shield placed in front of the “tricolors” before the last “quarter”.

One goal victory for Romania against Turkey

Compared to the previous meeting against Turkey, 20-3 at the 2020 European Championship, the match of the current edition was glaringly different. A sharp, annoying balance, more tension from the Romanians, but in the end a narrow victory, 20-19. Second in the group, and the step to the next phase is assured. In the other match in the group, Italy defeated Slovakia 17-12, and the last match of the “tricolors” will be against Italy on Thursday, January 15, from 16:15.

Scorers Romania: Georgescu 5, Neamțu 4, Fulea 3, Iudean 2, Luțescu 2, Prioteasa 1, Gheorghe 1, Belenyesi 1, Luncan 1.