Romania’s team will play in the quarterfinals of the World Women’s Handball Championships in Denmark, following the 25-22 win in the match against defending champions Brazil on Sunday evening.

The Romanian team was in front of Brazil for most of the encounter and had a half time lead of 13-8.

Romania finished only fourth in the tournament's D group, following a 47-14 victory against Puerto Rico, and a 36-20 win against Kazakhstan. However, Romania lost all their group matches against top opponents: 18-26 with Spain, 22-26 with Norway, and 27-30 with Russia.

On Wednesday, December 16, the Romanians will meet hosts Denmark in the quarterfinals. The championships’ semifinals will take place on December 18 while the finals will be organized on December 20. The tournament's winner automatically qualifies to the Olympic Games in Rio next year while the teams finishing 2nd to 7th will play in pre-Olympic qualifying tournaments.

Romania's goal at the World Championship this year was to make it among the best eight teams, which they achieved with their victory against Brazil.

Romania are the only team to have played in all editions of the World Championship. Romania ranked 10th at the latest tournament, in 2013. Their best results were the gold medal in 1962, and silver in 1973 and 2005.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: IHF on Facebook, Photo by: Stephane Pillaud/IHF)