Czech Republic became responsible for one of the biggest surprises at the 23rd IHF Women’s World Championship so far, when they eliminated 2015 bronze medallists Romania with a shock one-goal victory secured in the final seconds after they trailed for the entire game up to that point. It is Czech Republic’s first ever quarter-final at a World Championship – their previous best result was 13th in 1997, and they did not qualify for the most recent edition in Denmark in 2015.

The second eighth-final in Leipzig saw a very different match, as defending champions Norway recorded a clear victory to book their sixth consecutive World Championship quarter-final.

EIGHTH-FINALS
Romania vs Czech Republic 27:28 (17:14)

Romania were left completely shocked by the end of the opening eighth-final on day two of elimination matches in Leipzig, as they were in front until the 59th minute, when Marketa Jerabkova scored her seventh goal to pull her team in front by one. It was a tense last two minutes as Romania equalised and the teams fought to the final whistle, but it was Czech Republic who had the last say with a goal from Michaela Hrbkova in the dying seconds. 

"I don't know how we made it. We went step by step and we were well prepared for the last situation in the game. This is more than we expected,” said Czech Republic’s Alena Setelikova. Iveta Luzumova added: “Everybody is shocked – we are too, but in a positive way. We have never been in a quarter final before and we will enjoy every second of it.”

2010, 2015 and 2016 World Player of the Year Cristina Neagu made it clear she was ready for one of her best performances when she scored the opening goal in Romania’s first attack, before going on to finish with a final tally of 13 goals that pulled her up to second on the Germany 2017 top scorers list after six matches – one behind Slovenia’s Ana Gros (Neagu 42, Gros 43). Neagu scored eight goals in the first half alone, and it was no surprise that Czech Republic focused their defensive strategy on her; but when they did so too aggressively, Melinda Geiger and Ana Maria Dragut made it clear there are also dangerous right backs in Romania’s squad with superb goals of their own.

Romania held a three-goal lead at the break and as they kept the same advantage with only seven minutes on the clock, it seemed they had the upper hand. However, after Neagu pulled the 2015 bronze medallists in front to 25:22, Czech Republic suddenly took control with a 4:0 run from minute 54 to 59 (25:26). Though Romania levelled the score, their last attacks were not as settled as Czech Republic, who stayed clear-headed and booked the quarter-final ticket with an organised last offence played out in just 11 seconds.

“They played very clever and they never gave up,” said Romania coach Ambros Martin. “Maybe we were over motivated and the thought of reaching the next round just paralysed us.”

Player of the Match presented by adidas: Marketa JERABKOVA (CZE)

Spain vs Norway 23:31 (10:13)

Norway showed their trademark championship-winning form as they defeated Spain with a clear eight-goal score line to book their sixth consecutive World Championship quarter-final. The defending champions immediately took control with a lightning fast 3:0 run in the first three minutes, which put Spain in a difficult position very early as they were left to battle the deficit throughout the match.

“I want to say that I am very proud of my team. We fought through all the championship, and we fought today, even if we didn’t fight to win,” said Spain’s Mireya Gonzalez Alvarez while her coach Carlos Viver added: “Congratulations to Norway. They are one of the best teams in the world and one that will probably be in the fight for the medals.

“I don’t want to think about how this match ended. I want to think about the whole World Championship, how we played, and the performance of our players.”

Spain’s defence initially had trouble against Norway’s fast attack before they settled in and the middle block began to work. As a consequence, many of the Scandinavian team’s early goals came from breakthroughs in the centre of the court. Their advantage moved between two and five goals in the first half, before they completely dominated the second and left Spain with no chance to close the gap.

Spain changed their goalkeeper to Darly Zoqbi de Paula for the second half, and she made great saves that supported the strong defence, but it was not enough. At the end of the third quarter, Norway were in front 21:16 and though Spain worked hard until the buzzer, Norway only pulled further ahead.

“We have big respect for the Spanish team. They have quality players and some new player who are very interesting. I think they are building a new team and they will go further in future tournaments,” said Norway coach Thorir Hergeirsson. “For us it is good to be back after losing against Sweden [in the last preliminary round game].”

Player of the Match presented by adidas: Nora MORK (NOR)