Romania (ROU)

No team in the history of the EHF EURO has waited longer between two appearances than Romania. After making the cut in 1994 and 1996, when they won a single match on both occasions, Romania needed 28 years to secure their next berth, but they finally did so for 2024.

It was far from easy, as Romania were the only team in the qualifiers to make it from the second spot with only four points, after conceding two losses against Austria and one each against Ukraine and the Faroe Islands, with their only wins coming against the latter two sides in Bucharest.

While fortunate in the EHF EURO 2024 Qualifiers, Romania have drawn the short straw for the final tournament, as they will face perennial contenders Spain, an experienced and well-versed side in Croatia, and, once again, Austria, with their underdog status confirmed.

The lack of experience looks to be Romania’s main issue, with the core of the team featuring in the domestic league, albeit several crucial players have been getting important minutes in the EHF European League Men this season for Dinamo Bucuresti and CSM Constanta, an important plus for the team’s chances of delivering a surprise at EHF EURO 2024.

Another big advantage is the coach, as Xavi Pascual returned to the bench for his second stint, after his first which span from 2016 to 2018, when Romania failed to qualify for any major international competition. A demanding and experienced coach, Pascual will have to do with what he has at his disposal, as he is striving to implement a system and build a better squad for the future, with plenty of the players still some years away from hitting their prime.