## Romania Move to Main Round After Tight Win Over Japan
Romania secured their place in the main round of the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship after defeating Japan 31:27 in Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena. This marked Romania’s second straight victory in the group stage.
### Strong First Half for Romania
Romania built an early lead thanks to sharp attacks and solid defense. Both sides displayed high energy, but Romania edged ahead, maintaining composure under pressure.
### Japan’s Comeback Attempt
After halftime, Japan intensified their defense and closed the gap with fast counterattacks. Despite Japan’s persistence, Romania held firm in the final minutes, making key saves and converting crucial shots.
### Key Players and Performance
Romania’s experienced lineup proved decisive. Goalkeeper Denisa Dedu made several important saves, while captain Cristina Neagu led the scoring charge. Japan’s side impressed with discipline and speed but struggled to overcome Romania’s tactical consistency.
### Next Stage Prospects
With this win, Romania move confidently into the main round, carrying valuable points forward. Japan, meanwhile, face a challenging path to progress further in the championship.
> "It was a tough match, but we stayed united until the end," said Romania’s coach following the victory.
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**Author summary:** Romania battled past Japan 31:27 in Rotterdam, confirming their place in the main round of the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship after a determined and strategic performance.
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IHF — 2025-11-29