EHF EURO 2018
Accorhotels Arena, Paris
First semifinal
- Romania is for the third time in the semifinals of the EHF EURO after 2000 (4th place) and 2010 (bronze medals)
- Russia has qualified for the fifth time to the semifinals of EHF EURO after 2000 (bronze), 2002 (4th place), 2004 (4th place) and 2008 (bronze medals)
- Romania made a good tournament so far, but in their last group match against Hungary their most important player, Cristina Neagu got seriously injured on her knee and she is forced outside the handball court for the rest of this season
- Ambros Martin made a replacement in the squad, instead of Neagu will the young left-back, Bianca Bazaliu step up
- Russia won the key-games at this EURO and the clever head coach, Evgeny Trefilov rested his key-players in the matches which had no importance regarding the qualification. This is the reason why Russia could be considered a favorite in this first semifinal because the players got more resting time and they don’t struggle with injuries. On the other hand, Romanians are playing for Neagu too and they want to reach their first final in the histories of EURO, and with Ambros Martin on the bench, they could win the tactical game.
- The first half: Romania opened strongly and grabbed the lead in the first minutes, 0-2, 1-3. Buceschi, Perianu, and Chiper were responsible for the Romanian goals, but Russia equalized quickly 4-4, 6-6. Anna Vyakhireva was nearly unstoppable in front of the Romanian defense, but Romania managed to make a 3-0 period and increased the lead 6-9. Trefilov considered this the right time to call his first timeout and to make some changes. Trusva got into the Russian goal, Vyakhireva continued her breakthroughs and Russian got closer than equalized again after 8-11 for Romania, the result was 12-12. The two teams were chasing each other and the first half ended 16-15 for Russia after thirty minutes where Romania was in the lead almost constantly.
- The second half: Russia took a flying start, scoring three goals, without reply from Romania, 19-15. Ambros Martin needed to share something in a timeout after this Romania managed to be efficient in the attack, the result got 21-18 (43.minute). Despite this, Anna Vyakhireva was making a show by herself, scoring her eleventh goal in the match, 22-18. Russia seemed much fresher and having more energy than their opponents. Vyakhireva was outstanding as Romania could not get an equal replacement for Neagu. There was no question who will turn out as a winner. Russia is the first finalist.
- Player of the match: Anna Vyakhireva (RUS)
Russia – Romania 28 – 22 (16 – 15)
Referees: Horvath, Marton (HUN)
Goals:
Russia: Sedoykina, Trusova (GK) – Kuznetsova 1, Kochetova, Dmitrieva 1, Sen 4, Vyakhireva 13(6), Sudakova 1, Samokhina 1, Makeeva 3, Malashenko, Managarova 3, Petrova, Frolova 1, Snopova, Skorobogatchenko
Romania: Dedu, Dunmanska (GK) – Udrsitoiu, Geiger, Buceschi 3(1), Bazaliu, Perianu 3, Laslo 2(1), Ardean-Elisei 1, Pintea 4, Florica 2, Ratiu, Polocoser, Bacaoanu, Chiper 2, Dragut 4
Suspensions: 4 minutes; 14 minutes
7 meters: 9/6; 3/2
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