Defeated by 15 goals by world champion Denmark, Dan Racotea says he lived a dream in front of 14,535 spectators

Ashley Davis19/01/2026

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Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Sunday, January 18, 2026 23:48 / Updated Sunday, January 18, 2026 23:52

The Romanian international Dan Racoțea (30 years old) spoke shortly after the failure suffered by the “tricolors”, this evening, in Herning, score 24-39, against the hosts from Denmarkthe reigning world champion and the main favorite to win the gold.

George Buricea's students started the match enthusiastically and led in a few rows, but gave way, the difference between the two teams being visible until the end of the game. The last match remains, with North Macedonia, to avoid the 4th place in the group.

After the game with Denmark, Racoțea described the duel against the currently strongest national teams in men's handball as “a dream”. 14,535 spectators were present in the hall in Herning.

The first reaction from Romania's camp, after the clear failure with Denmark

“We were happy to play against Denmark, it was like a dream, we would have liked to play better, but that was it.

We had a very good first half, but they forced in the second half, they were carried on the wave and by the crowd. We tried to give our best, but we had problems in the offensive phase in the second act.

It was incredible, I thank our fans as well as Denmark's,” said Racotea after the match, quoted by sport.ro.

Romania - Denmark, at the European men's handball // photo: Imago

For Romania, they scored in this match: Nagy 4 goals, Ghiţă 4, Dedu 4, Stănescu 3, Stanciuc 3, Buzle 3, Nistor 2, Botea 1.

The last match for Romania in group B will be against North Macedonia, on January 20, the team that managed to get the first point on Sunday, after drawing 29-29 with Portugal.

Only the first two places go to the next stage. Before the last game, the team coached by George Buricea is in last place, with zero points.

At the 2024 edition of the European competition, when it returned after an 18-year absence, the Romanian men's national team finished in 22nd position.