Montenegro was unable to secure a spot in Vienna, but despite the loss, the evening in Debrecen was filled with emotions, culminating in a heartfelt farewell for handball legend Milena Raičević by Đurđina Jauković.

The “Lionesses” concluded their European Championship run with a nail-biting defeat against Sweden (25:24). They fell short in their quest for an additional match and a chance at 5th place. However, following the last 60 minutes in north-east Hungary, it’s hard to find fault with their fight.

Following the match, in which she managed to score only two penalty shots due to injury (missing one towards the end), captain Milena Raičević declared the end of her illustrious career.

– I am retiring, and I am grateful it happened with the national team, especially since I’m no longer wearing the Budućnost jersey – said Milena, concluding her remarkable journey at age 35. Throughout her career, she was a pivotal figure in securing Montenegro’s European gold and contributing significantly to the historic Olympic silver. She also won the Champions League twice while representing Budućnost.

The legend’s farewell came after an intense battle on the court throughout all 60 minutes played in Debrecen.

Despite making numerous mistakes due to their intense desire to win another match at the EHF Euro and pave the way for the next World Cup, the selected team under Suzana Lazović displayed exceptional resilience.

Conversely, the girls led by Thomas Aksner capitalized on those errors and mostly maintained the lead, even reaching a significant 11:7 advantage in the first half. However, after a timeout from Suzana Lazović, Montenegro bounced back with a 4:0 run, propelled by Itana Grbić, re-entering the match.

Sweden continued to hold the lead, only for Đurđina Jauković to level the score with a powerful shot, making it 14:14 just 30 seconds before halftime.

Sweden maintained the advantage throughout the remainder of the match (with a maximum lead of three), but Đurđina Jauković – who suffered two anterior cruciate ligament tears in two years – had her own agenda.

Her explosive performance, scoring nine goals and providing solid defense, kept Montenegro in contention, creating opportunities for an equalizer that would have secured their journey to Vienna. Yet, fortune did not favor the “lionesses” this time.

– Đina returned in September and immediately demonstrated her leadership and additional quality – stated coach Suzana Lazović.

While Sweden advances to Vienna for the match for 5th place, Montenegro has several upcoming tournaments where the “lionesses” can showcase their talents…

SWEDEN – MONTENEGRO 25:24 (14:14)

Debrecen – “Phoenix Arena”. Attendance: 1,000. Referees: Barisas and Petrušis (Lithuania). Penalties: Sweden 4 (2), Montenegro 2 (1). Suspensions: Sweden 6, Montenegro 6 minutes.

Sweden: Bundsen (12 saves), Ride, Lerbi 5 (1), Stremberg 1, Blom 1, Roberts 5, Aksner 1, Dano, Lindkvist 4, Hagman 6 (1), Torleifsdotir, Hvenfelt, Hanson 1, Karlson 1, Lefkvist, Peterson-Bergsten.

Montenegro: Atingre (five saves and seven goals), Batinović (two saves), Jauković 9, Pletikosić 1, Godeč, Mugoša 2, J. Vukčević, Ivanović 1, Brnović 4, Bulatović 1, Džaferović, Tatar, Raičević 1 (1), Pavićević, Grbić 5, N. Vukčević.

News