Montenegrin handball players entered the first match of the main round of the European Championship with the same energy, determination, and solid defense from the initial phase, quickly taking a lead of 6:2, 7:3, and 9:6, only to appear to “switch off”…

Hungary rallied before halftime and confirmed the “lionesses'” first defeat at the EHF Euro with a score of 26:20 (16:11) in the second half.

This result means that Suzana Lazović’s team must play a crucial match in just 20 hours, essentially a final against France, if they wish to remain in contention for the semi-finals and final in Vienna.

It will also serve as a rematch of the third-place playoff from the previous European Championship, where the “lionesses” secured a bronze medal.

The game commenced ideally—defense was solid as ever, and the offense was arguably the best seen since the tournament began. Following goals from Đurđina Jauković and Dijana Mugoša, alongside impressive saves from Marina Rajčić, Montenegro quickly established a four-goal lead.

At this point, the “lionesses” had only one missed shot and soon extended their lead to 9:6. However, an injury to Đurđina Jauković (following a strong hit) and some missed opportunities allowed the hosts to regain their footing.

Consequently, Djina played primarily in defense for an extended period, which affected their offensive performance…

The lively game that stunned the “Fenix Arena” early on vanished, and Montenegro’s players appeared disoriented in attack as Hungary sped around the court, outpacing a defense that had been exceptional in the first phase.

As the match progressed, Đurđina Jauković was compelled to engage in attack, while Armel Atingre contributed significantly in goal with several key stops. Nonetheless, the “lionesses” only managed to narrow the gap to four points (23:19), and it became clear that the match turned during the latter part of the first half.

After the first round of the main phase, both France and Hungary sit with four points, while Montenegro remains at two points, the same as Sweden, and Poland and Romania are yet to score.

HUNGARY – MONTENEGRO 26:20 (16:11)

Debrecen – “Fenix Arena”. Attendance: 2,067. Referees: Alvares and Bustamante (Spain). Penalty shots: Hungary 5 (4), Montenegro 2 (2). Suspensions: Hungary 6 minutes, Montenegro 8 minutes.

Hungary: Bode-Biro, Semerej (15 saves), Fuzi-Tovizi 1, Selesi-Sacl 1, Marton 3, Pap, Pastor, Tot, Vamos 3, Klujber 6 (4), Kachor, Faluvegi 1, Bordas 1, Kucora 4, Đeri-Lukač 5, Šimon 1.

Montenegro: Rajčić (five saves), Atingre (seven saves and seven goals), Batinović, Jauković 5 (1), Pletikosić 1, Godeč, Mugoša 4, J. Vukčević 1 (1), Ivanović 1, Malović, Brnović 3, Bulatović 1, Tatar, Raičević, Pavićević, Grbić 4.

RESULTS

Group 1 (Debrecin)

Sweden – Poland 33:25

France – Romania 30:25

Hungary – Montenegro 26:20

Group 2 (Vienna)

Switzerland – Germany 27:36

Netherlands – Slovenia 26:22

Denmark – Norway 24:27