Yugoslavia - Romania 32-25 (16-13)

Helsinge, DENMARK, December 8 (official 2002 European Women's Handball Championship website) - Yugoslavia have won Group A after a solid victory against Romania 32-25 and are unbeaten in the preliminary round.

In the first half the two teams were even until 10-10 in the 23rd minute. After three goals in a row from Yugoslavia, Romania never really managed to come back. At half time Yugoslavia were up 16-13. The closest score in the second half was 22-20 for Yugoslavia but after that they steadily increased their lead. At the end the difference was as much as eight goals.

The Yugoslavian goalkeeper, Zlata Paplacko, was very good in the first half and the beginning of the second. Then Dragica Djuric came in and played an excellent game.

The top scorer in Yugoslavia was Tatjana Medved with nine goals and the fast running Snezana Damjanac scored five goals. The defence was solid and Tanja Milanovic's performance is worth mentioning.

"We have been getting better and better during the tournament," said Tatjana Medved. "This game was our best so far. We are already looking forward to the games in the next round. They will certainly be just as tough as the ones we have played here in Helsinge."

Romania had 11 players who managed to score goals in this game. Right wing Christina Georgiana Varzano contributed with five goals. Carmen Amariei also scored five, all in the first half, but Romania still had very strong backs also in the second half.

"I think this was a very good match. We could keep up with Yugoslavia in the first half. In the second, Yugoslavia played very well and we could not compete," said the Romanian coach, Aurelian Rosca.

Both Yugoslavia and Romania have qualified for the next round and they bring with them four and two points respectively.

Preliminary Round - All Results and Final Standings

GROUP A
Gameday 1: Yugoslavia - Sweden 31-28, Romania - Austria 27-21.
Gameday 2: Sweden - Romania 25-30, Yugoslavia - Austria 30-23.
Gameday 3: Romania - Yugoslavia 25-32, Austria - Sweden 33-20.

 
1. Yugoslavia  6
2. Romania     4
3. Austria     2
4. Sweden      0 

GROUP B
Gameday 1: France - Netherlands 25-24, Ukraine - Denmark 23-27.
Gameday 2: Denmark - France 20-17, Netherlands - Ukraine 26-28.
Gameday 3: Ukraine - France 21-24, Denmark - Netherlands 27-23.

1. Denmark      6
2. France       4
3. Ukraine      2
4. Netherlands  0 

GROUP C
Gameday 1: Russia - Germany 25-22, Norway - Spain 25-25
Gameday 2: Germany - Norway 18-26, Spain - Russia 24-24.
Gameday 3: Germany - Spain 31-27, Russia - Norway 18-24.

1. Norway     5
2. Russia     4
3. Germany    2
4. Spain      2
 

1. Hungary          6
2. Chech Republic   4
3. Slovenia         2
4. Belarus          0