11.06.2014, 10:17
Neagu and Manea miss Romania's trip to Belarus

PREVIEW: The two Romanian key players will miss the decisive EHF EURO 2014 Qualification double-header against Belarus, but head coach Tadici believes in his team's qualities

Neagu and Manea miss Romania’s trip to Belarus

After Norway had won their four matches against Romania and Belarus in convincing fashion, the EHF EURO record winners became, back in March, the first team to qualify for the EHF EURO 2014 from Group 6.

Therefore the second place, which also guarantees a spot at the final tournament in Hungary and Croatia this year in December, will be decided in the double-header between Romania and Belarus on 11 June and 15 June.

Romania enter the first game away in Mogilev with high ambitions, and head coach Gheorghe Tadici says his team is eager to win in order to ease the pressure a bit ahead of the return match four days later.

However, Romania’s preparations have been hampered by two injuries. Cristina Neagu, arguably the team’s star, has suffered from thigh problems and did not join the team on the trip to Belarus.

Another experienced player who will not be able to play in both matches is Oana Manea.

The CSM Bucuresti line player has back problems and has been ruled out from both matches, leaving Tadici with Ciuciulete, Pintea and Apetrei as line players.

"Of course, Neagu and Manea are huge losses for our team, but considering the value and the experience of both teams, I think Romania are better than Belarus," said Tadici to sport media outlet, ProSport.

"However, we have to be very careful. Belarus have improved their game in the past few years, as did Netherlands, Poland and the Czech Republic.

"Therefore, we have to be very focused and must not consider this game as already done and dusted in our favour.

"They showed us what they can do against Norway in their home game. We are not considering ourselves already qualified.

Romania’s squad for the game against Belarus

Goalkeepers: Paula Ungureanu (HCM Baia Mare), Mirela Pasca (SCM Craiova)

Wings: Valentina Ardean-Elisei (HCM Baia Mare), Camelia Hotea (Corona Brasov), Adriana Nechita (HCM Baia Mare), Laura Chiper (Corona Brasov)

Line players: Georgiana Ciuciulete (HC Zalau), Crina Pintea (HC Zalau), Oana Apetrei (Corona Brasov)

Back court players: Aurelia Brădeanu (Corona Brasov), Gabriela Perianu (HC Dunarea Braila), Daniela Babeanu (HCM Roman), Luciana Marin (HCM Baia Mare), Laura Oltean (HCM Baia Mare), Eliza Buceschi (HCM Baia Mare), Nicoleta Tudor (Corona Brasov)

TEXT: Adrian Costeiu / ts