Romania edged Sweden 34-30 to take the seventh place in the Beijing Olympics women's handball on Saturday.
Swedish coach Ulf Schefvert told reporters after the match, "The debut in the Olympics is a new experience for us. We have matches in the morning during the Games, which is also quite fresh experience. The matches after the quarterfinals have turned into psychological fights as all players are tired."
Romanian coach Gheorghe Tadici said, "Although it was not planned before the match, we decided to remain patient in attacking according to the situation. In the new Olympic circle every team will undergo new changes. Swedish players are young and have plenty of chances to alter themselves."
Romania showed great patience in launching attacks before the halftime. Facing with the defense organized by stronger Swedish rivals, Romanian players transferred the ball before the net frequently and mounted sudden assaults. The trick worked very well in the first 19 minutes and helped Romania extend the lead to seven goals. The first half ended 17-15 with Romania leading.
Debutant Sweden made a strong comeback after the interval. Romania's right wing Ramona Maier and left wing Neli Elisei, however, strengthened the lead of their team by scoring three and four points respectively, leaving no chance to the rival again.
Sweden was edged by host China 20-19 in a 5th-8th playoff while France downed Romania 36-34 in a pulsating two-overtime thriller of the placement.
(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2008)