In a match that feels like a “to be or not to be”, where the stakes are high and the outcome could be dire, securing a four-goal lead against your opponent in the first half speaks volumes about the team’s quality and character.

Montenegrin handball players are once again instilling fear across Europe. The “lionesses” shunned calculations and earned their spot in the main round with a stylish and convincing victory against the Czech Republic, finishing 28:21 (12:4).

With three solid wins under their belt, a defense that “devastates” opponents, and two points secured for the upcoming main round beginning Thursday, the team is in excellent form.

The Czech Republic started strong, riding a wave of momentum from Marketa Ježabkova, leading 3:1 within the first five minutes, but then they met the unyielding Montenegrin defense.

Before the half concluded, the net of the impressive Armel Atingra was breached just once more. Following a time-out from Suzana Lazović, the “lionesses” began to shake off their attacking jitters, signaling that this would be a Montenegrin night in Debrecen.

Until the 18th minute, the scoreboard at “Fenix Arena” stood eerily at 3:3. The “lionesses” struggled with their shooting—Tanja Ivanovic hit the goalpost three times and there was a lack of precision from the wings. But then the “fury” in red ignited…

Nina Bulatović and Ivona Pavićević stepped up, and Đurđina Jauković converted from the seven-meter line (a penalty earned by Tatjana Brnović). Matea Pletikosić and Ivana Godeč also found the net, allowing Montenegro to head into the break with an impressive lead of plus eight (11:4).

The Czech Republic improved in the latter half, but the “lionesses” maintained their significant lead effortlessly. Whenever their rivals posed a threat, Đurđina Jauković landed bombs or goals from Dijana Mugoša, Itana Grbić, and Matea Pletikosić, bolstered by contributions from the bench by Jelena Vukčević and Katarina Džaferović.

Moving into the main round, Montenegro will face host Hungary, France (with these three teams carrying over two points each), Poland, and Sweden.

The excitement continues in Debrecen on Thursday, with Hungary set to be the first adversary for our national team in the packed Phoenix Arena.

CZECH REPUBLIC – MONTENEGRO 21:28 (4:12)

Debrecen – “Phoenix Arena”. Attendance: 1,404. Referees: Wejmans and Wolbertus (Netherlands). Penalty shots: Czech Republic 1 (1), Montenegro 5 (5). Suspensions: Czech Republic 12, Montenegro 12 minutes. Red card: Ivanovic (Montenegro) in the 42nd minute.

Czech Republic: Kudlačkova (three saves), Novotna (eight saves), Kenigova, Šrajbmajerova, Andriskova, Šustačkova 2, Desortova 1, Štelnerova 1, J. Frankova 2, Smetkova 3, A. Frankova 4, Dreslerova, Zahova, Ježabkova 4 (1), Mala 3, Holevova 1.

Montenegro: Rajčić (three saves), Atingre (10 saves), Batinović, Jauković 8 (4), Pletikosić 3, Godeč 1, Mugoša 2, J. Vukčević 1 (1), Ivanović 2, Brnović 1, Bulatović 4, Džaferović 2, Tatar, Raičević, Pavićević 1, Grbić 3.