Article by David Istrate – Published Friday, 06 March 2026, 10:29 / Updated Friday, 06 March 2026 10:30
In the 3rd stage of the EHF Euro Cup, Romania beat Slovakia 32-26at the end of a match he dominated. However, the second half was not at the level of expectations, and Ovidiu Mihăilă, the main coach of the tricolors, highlighted this in his statements.
Between March 5-8, Romania has a double encounter with Slovakia, in group 1 of the EHF Euro Cup. With a win and a defeat in the first window of the competition, Ovidiu Mihăilă's students were considered favorites in the duels with Slovakia.
Romania, 6-goal victory in Slovakia: “The defense did not function at the level of the first half”
Romania respected its status and prevailed in Slovakia, but the second half did not go too well. The tricolors won their first half 18-9, they even led by 10 goals, but the hosts came back and in the final 10 minutes came within two goals.
Romania's coach introduced the starters into the field, and they quickly solved the problem and, in the end, our national team won 32-26. Romania's best scorer was Sorina Grozav, author of 10 goals.
Alisia Boiciuc (5), Lorena Ostase (4), Elena Roșu (4), Beatrice Raicea (3), Alicia Gogîrlă (2), Mihaela Mihai (1), Yaroslava Burlachenko (1), Cristina Laslo (1) and Orsolya Mozes (1) also contributed.
“First of all, the victory was important, but we must be aware that the moments of relaxation that appeared in the second half put pressure on the end of the game. The defense didn't work at the level of the first half, and the attacks had effective situations, but we missed too easily in the 1 vs 1 relationship with the goalkeeper”, said Mihăilă, quoted by handbalmania.ro.
Ovidiu Mihăilă sounds the alarm: “I cannot be completely satisfied”
“We have to have constancy and maturity throughout a game. That's why I can't be completely satisfied, because this generation can achieve a lot of beautiful things, but we need much more constancy in developments. It's true that such moments are also part of a game, but each of us must be aware of what we could have done to avoid such situations,” he added.
Despite the problems he identified, Mihăilă was satisfied with several aspects of Romania's game and is optimistic about the future of the national team.
“Apart from these moments, the team showed quality handball, with tactical discipline and good defensive organization, aspects that these girls also showed during the last world championship. I believe and hope that what happened in the second half was just a small incident in a game that we controlled for the vast majority of the time,” said the 52-year-old coach.
“I am happy for this success with these wonderful girls and I thank everyone for their support, both the technical and administrative staff, as well as the supporters who were with us. Come on, Romania! See you in Bistrița”, concluded Mihăilă.
Sunday, March 8, starting at 7:00 p.mRomania will face Slovakia again, this time in Bistrita, in the Teraplast Arena.
