Kosteski’s buzzer-beater gives North Macedonia victory over Romania

North Macedonia defeated Romania 24–23 in Herning through Nenad Kosteski’s goal at the final buzzer. The group B result rewarded a strong Macedonian start but followed a Romanian comeback that almost delivered a point in goalkeeper Mihai Popescu’s farewell international.

Romania went scoreless until the tenth minute, and North Macedonia led 13–9 at half-time. Popescu’s ten saves prevented a much larger gap after the interval, enabling Romania to move back into contention during the closing quarter.

Filip Kuzmanovski scored nine for North Macedonia, while Ionuț Nistor converted all eight attempts for Romania. Popescu received the match award in his final national-team appearance, twenty-four years after his debut, before Kosteski settled the outcome.