Sports Weekend
Romania wins opening match at Women’s Handball World Championship
Florin Orban, 28.11.2025, 13:45
In their first match at the Women’s Handball World Championship, Romania defeated Croatia on Thursday, 33–24. The tournament is jointly hosted by Germany and the Netherlands. Playing in Rotterdam, the team coached by Ovidiu Mihăilă secured a convincing win. Romania’s standout player was goalkeeper Iulia Dumanska, who made 13 saves that proved decisive in building the commanding scoreline. Among the scorers, Sorina Grozav stood out with 7 goals. In the other Group A game, Denmark beat Japan 36–19. On Saturday, Romania will take on Japan. The top three teams from each group advance to the main round of the competition.
Universitatea Craiova claimed a 1–0 home win over German side Mainz 05 on Thursday, in the fourth round of Europa Conference League, Europe’s third-tier competition. The winning goal was scored by Palestinian forward Assad Al Hamlawi on minute 67, from the penalty spot. This was Craiova’s second consecutive victory in the Conference League, following their 1–0 success against Rapid Vienna. With 7 points in four matches, Universitatea currently sits in 15th place, with two rounds left in the group stage, and has a realistic chance of progressing. Their remaining fixtures are against Sparta Prague at home on December 11, and AEK Athens away on December 18.
In Europa League, Europe’s second-tier competition, Bucharest side FCSB lost 1–0 away to Red Star Belgrade. The winning goal came from Brazilian striker Bruno Duarte on minute 50. From the 27th minute onward, FCSB played with a man advantage after Nigerian defender Tebo Uchenna was sent off for fouling Darius Olaru as the last man. Despite nearly 70 minutes with an extra player, FCSB failed to capitalize, struggling across all areas of play. After five Europa League matches, Romania’s champions sit in 31st place, with one win and four defeats. Coached by Elias Charalambous, FCSB will next face Feyenoord in Bucharest on December 11, followed by Dinamo Zagreb away on January 22, and Fenerbahce at home on January 29. As in the Conference League, the top 8 teams qualify directly for the round of 16, while those ranked 9th to 24th will play playoff matches for a spot in the knockout stage.
This weekend features matches from round 18 of the Romanian Super League. Friday offers a single game: Rapid vs. Csikszereda. On Saturday, FC Argeș hosts CFR Cluj in Mioveni, followed by Dinamo vs. Oțelul Galați in Bucharest. Sunday brings three fixtures: Hermannstadt vs. UTA in Sibiu, Unirea Slobozia vs. FC Botoșani in Clinceni, and Farul Constanța vs. FCSB in Ovidiu. Monday closes the round with Petrolul vs. Metaloglobus and Universitatea Cluj vs. Universitatea Craiova. Rapid leads the standings with 35 points, followed by FC Botoșani with 33. (VP)
