Romania hope to bounce back against Belarus

After two defeats against Iceland and Slovenia, Romania’s chances to advance to the EHF EURO 2014 in Denmark are slim at best.

However, the Romanians are still hoping to qualify for a European tournament for the first time in 18 years.

To give themselves any chance of achieving this, Eliodor Voica’s players have to win both games against Belarus, which will be played on 3 and 7 of April. The first game will be played in Piatra Neamț, Romania, while the second one is scheduled to take place in Minsk.

The Romanian coach called up 19 players for the doubleheader against Belarus. All of them are currently playing in their home league with the core of the team provided by Știința Bacău, currently the second-placed in the Romanian League.

Bacău have six players in the Romanian side, while HC Odorhei and HCM Constanța are represented by four and three players.

“We still have to remain focused no matter the circumstances. I really hope we can win the first game against Belarus,” said Eliodor Voica.

One year ago, Romania and Belarus played for a place in the qualification play-off for this year’s World Championship. Despite losing the first leg in Romania, 22:25, Belarus qualified after winning at home, 28:23.

It was a big blow for the Romanian side and it led to the changing of coach from Vasile Stângă to Eliodor Voica.

The Romanians, who still have seven players from the side that lost the qualification against Belarus, are motivated and ready to avenge last year’s defeat.

“We have some problems, but we have to win. It would be good for our cause, which is to rebuild the Romanian national team,” added Voica.

Romania’s squad for the EHF EURO 2014 qualifiers against Belarus on 3 and 7 April:

Goalkeepers: Mihai Popescu (HCM Constanța), Ionuț Ciobanu (HC Odorhei), George Șelaru (CSU Suceava)

Wingers: Florin Dospinescu (Știința Bacău), Alexandru Asoltanei (Energia Pandurii Târgu Jiu), Gabriel Florea, Andrei Mihalcea (both HC Odorhei), Marius Sadoveac (HCM Constanța), Flavius Cîmpan (Potaissa Turda)

Back court: Cristian Ghiță, Ionuț Ramba, Ionuț Rotaru (all from Știința Bacău), Cristian Fenici, Andrei Grasu (both from Poli Timișoara), Bogdan Criciotoiu (HCM Constanța), Florin Acatrinei (CSU Suceava)

Line players: Marius Novanc, Dragoș Iancu (both from Știința Bacău), Huba Talas (HC Odorhei)