Romania registered their biggest win since 2015 at the IHF Women’s World Championship, after spoiling the debut of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a convincing 39:11 victory.

GROUP C
Romania vs Islamic Republic of Iran 39:11 (20:3)

Were it not for goalkeeper Fatemeh Kalili Behfar, who saved 14 shots in the first half, Iran’s maiden game at the IHF Women’s World Championship would have morphed into a larger rout. 

However, the Asian side, who had never previously qualified for any IHF World Championship, were clearly lagging behind Romania, the only team to have ever played in all the editions of the world handball flagship competition.

Ten minutes into the game, Romania were already leading 7:2, as the Iran squad could hardly break down the European team’s defence. Yet, in attack, Romania had their big share of missed opportunities, especially in one-on-one situations with Kalili Behfar.

In the next 20 minutes, though, Romania ran riot in attack, boasting 37 shots in the first half alone, while Iran could only muster a meagre 12% attacking efficiency, scoring only once during that span.

However, not everything was perfect for Romania, as 18-year-old right wing Oana Bors, who was making her debut at the IHF Women’s World Championship, was stretchered off with an apparent knee injury, after converting a fast break.

But there was no stopping the Romania side, who duly took advantage of the plethora of Iranian mistakes, boosting their lead by a flurry of fast breaks, converting 11 of 14.

While coach Adrian Vasile rested some of his key players, there was no slowing down from Romania, albeit their number of turnovers grew in the second half, while Kalili Behfar continued to rack up saves.

Eventually, Romania cruised to a 39:11 win, their largest at the IHF Women’s World Championship since the 47:14 drubbing of Puerto Rico in their opening match at Denmark 2015, when they went on to win the bronze medal.

It was also the lowest amount of goals conceded by the Romania team since 1978, when the Federal Republic of Germany scored only seven times against them.

Romania will now eye their second win in a row and the subsequent main round berth that could come with it on Sunday against Kazakhstan, before facing off with group favourites Norway next Tuesday.

The Islamic Republic of Iran must face Norway in a Gargantuan challenge, before taking on Kazakhstan on Tuesday.

hummel Player of the Match: Cristina Laslo, Romania

Photo: RFEBM / Á. Bermejo