Group A:
World champions, new coaches, and unexpected surprises
Less than two months separate us from the start of the 2025 IHF Women’s World Championship, with all 32 participating teams now confirmed.
The draw took place on Thursday, 22 May, in the historic halls of the Noordbrabants Museum in ’s-Hertogenbosch, one of the five host cities of the tournament.
Group A is already shaping up as one of the toughest groups, perhaps even the toughest of the competition, featuring two world champions, Denmark and Romania, alongside two resilient sides capable of producing surprises in every match, Croatia and Japan. It promises to be a thrilling group you definitely do not want to miss.
New faces on the sidelines
Three of the four teams will start the tournament with a new head coach. Denmark appointed Helle Thomsen, Japan chose Morten Soubak, the Danish coach who led Brazil to their world title in 2013, while Romania, after the sudden departure of Florentin Pera, are still without a head coach.
Denmark vs Romania: a classic rivalry
Denmark and Romania have met numerous times at the highest level. Out of their 20 encounters, Romania have won ten, Denmark nine, and one ended in a draw. The first meeting between the two came in 1957, during the inaugural edition of the World Championship, when Denmark won 6:1.
Since then, their clashes have often been dramatic. Romania have won four of the last five matches between the sides at the World Championship, including the memorable 2015 quarter-final in Herning, when they triumphed 31:30 after extra time on their way to the bronze medal. For Denmark, who hosted the tournament, that loss was a painful elimination.
In recent years, however, Denmark have had the upper hand, recording four consecutive wins, including a commanding 39:23 victory at the 2023 World Championship. Romania, on the other hand, have struggled to maintain their previous level. Since their fourth-place finish at the EHF EURO 2018, they have not finished inside the top ten at any major international tournament.
On 1 December at 20:30 , the two nations will meet again at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam. After years of close contests and alternating victories, all eyes will be on who takes the advantage this time. Do not miss this clash and secure your tickets for a night full of world-class handball action.
Challenges ahead for Romania
Following the unexpected departure of coach Florentin Pera, Romania are under pressure. Before facing Denmark, they will play two tough matches: against Croatia on 27 November at 18:00 , and against Japan on 29 November at 18:00 , two teams that have both beaten Romania in the past six years.
Despite a positive record against Japan, with seven wins in the last nine meetings, Romania suffered one of their heaviest defeats ever at the 2019 World Championship, losing 20:37 to the Asian side in the main round.
Without key players such as Cristina Neagu (retired), Eliza Buceschi, and Crina Pintea, Croatia could also pose a significant challenge.
Romania have won four of their six matches against Croatia in major competitions, but have lost two of the last three, including the memorable 28:27 defeat in the Round of 16 at the 2011 World Championship. Their most recent meetings, during the EHF EURO 2024 qualifiers, ended in narrow Romanian victories, but both were extremely close. Expect more tight and intense matches in Rotterdam Ahoy.
Denmark and Croatia: often evenly matched
Denmark and Croatia have met eight times in major international tournaments. Denmark hold six wins, including their only World Championship encounter in 2011, where they won 23:19. However, Croatia achieved their greatest success against Denmark, winning 25:19 in the bronze medal match at the EHF EURO 2020, claiming their first-ever medal at a major competition.
On 29 November at 20:30 , the two teams will meet once again at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam, in what promises to be another fascinating contest.
Japan as the potential surprise package
Denmark appear to be favourites against Japan, but in the previous edition of the World Championship, Japan stunned the hosts, claiming a 27:26 victory on Danish soil.
Now under the guidance of Morten Soubak, the experienced Danish coach who famously led Brazil to their 2013 world title, Japan will be eager to cause another upset.
Their head-to-head record with Croatia is evenly balanced, with a 30:31 defeat in 2005 and a 28:26 victory in 2021.
Be there!
Expect thrilling matches in Group A, as some of the world’s top teams fight for a place in the main round and ultimately for the world title. From top-tier clashes to unpredictable surprises on court, every second promises excitement.
Tip: With just one ticket for Group A, you get access to both matches in the same session , giving you double the action and double the fun for one price.
Don’t miss out! Be there at Rotterdam Ahoy to experience the handball spectacle up close and get your tickets today.