Poland – Romania

The Women’s Handball World Cup Bronze Final will see Poland and Romania squaring off on Sunday afternoon, European time.

The Polish side has now matched the performance achieved in the 2013 World Cup, a tournament which marked their emergence as a top nation in Women’s Handball. They finished 4th back then, but will hope to go un step above this time. After a mediocre performance in the group stages, where they won was what supposed to be won, but lost to Netherlands and Sweden, Poland stepped up the gas in the knockout stage. Poland claimed 1 goal wins over Hungary and Russia before losing 30-25 to the surprise package of Netherlands – a match in which Poland didn’t really stand a chance.

Romania has arguably been the most impressive team in the knockout stages and it was really a surprise. With a rather thin squad in terms of depth Romania lost 3 matches in the group stages and lost them clearly. However, the team suffered a marvelous transformation, playing brilliant handball to clearly defeat Brazil, get past Denmark in overtime and lose to Norway, again in overtime. Romania had a real shot at beating mighty Norway, having the final attack in regular time, but it all ended in heartbreak.

Bet now on Poland vs Romania with the highest Women’s Handball World Cup odds

Listen, Romania is probably the better team here and played better handball overall in this tournament. However, Poland is no joke – they beat Hungary and Russia, two impressive feats, so they truly can defeat anyone in the World. Poland also defeated Romania in the last World Championship, held in 2013.

However, the most interesting fact here concerns fitness. Romania played two grueling matches against Denmark and Norway, both with 10 minutes of extra time. What’s more, Romania uses a short rotation, with 8-9 outfield players doing pretty much all the work and we are talking about a rather old team here – with 4 starters, who barely take a couple minutes off per game, being aged between 32 and 36. One other starter is also almost 31 years old.

Both teams will be very motivated to finish third, a medal is an important objective for both of them, but you have to feel that Poland will be the fresher side and should also have better morale, as they did not suffer the same heartbreak that the Romanians did in the semifinal. A bet on Poland seems to be really worth it at these odds. Romania will likely be tired both physically and mentally, they finished the match with Norway drained and in tears – that`s a combination that can be fatal at this level, particularly against a team like Poland that has quality and can beat anybody.

While I love this Romania team, the reality is that odds on Poland are way too high. A handicap on the Poles looks like a good and safe bet, but I will trust my analysis and go with the best value – my tip is Poland to win. Odds already dropped and will very likely drop even more. Prediction: Poland – Romania 27 – 25.

Pick: Poland
Odds: 4.20 @ 1xBet
Stake: 7
Possible profit: 22.40
Event date: 20 December