Romania stun hosts Denmark to reach World Championship Semi-final

For the second time in just over a year Romania have proven to be opponents too difficult to overcome for Denmark at a major women's handball championship.

While there were 'only' preliminary round points at stake on 9 December 2014 at the EHF EURO 2014 when the score stood at 29:29 after 60 minutes, Wednesday's 30:31 loss after extra time will hurt the Danes much more, as it occured in the World Championship Quarter-final on home court.

The match was a hotly contested affair, with both teams fighting for every inch of the court.

Denmark just got themselves into extra time when Rikke Poulsen save a last-second penalty from Romania's star Cristina Neagu, who scored an impressive 15 goals overall, but it was up to Romania to score the last goal of the match when Adriana Nechita netted at 31:30 at the very end of the second extra time half.

Norway-Montenegro rivalry continues

Romania will face EHF EURO 2014 champions Norway in the semi-final on Friday, 18 December. Norway beat EHF EURO 2012 champions Montenegro 26:25 on Wednesday.

Both teams had met several times in decisive matches in the past, with the 2012 Olympic Final ending in favour of Norway and the EHF EURO 2012 Final being won by Montenegro, and it was the Norwegian's turn this time to leave the court victorious.

Spurred on by Nora Mork, who scored eight goals overall, Norway had carved out a 13:11 lead at half-time and even though Montenegro fought hard to come back, they eventually lost 25:26.

In the second semi-final Netherlands face Poland. The Dutch side is looking at its best ranking at any major women's handball championship after they beat France 28:25 on Wednesday.

And the chances to reach the final look bright for Netherlands, at least if the preliminary round result is anything to go by, when they beat their coming opponents, Poland, 31:20.

However, Poland proved that they are always a force to reckon with, beating previously undefeated Russia 21:20 on Wednesday to reach the semi-final.

For more information on the Women's World Championship visit the IHF's website as well the official tournament web presence.

Photos: Jan Christensen courtesy of DHF