The Montenegrin handball team started strong in the European Championship, achieving two victories and securing four points, which was exactly what coach Suzana Lazović’s squad aimed for ahead of their trip to Debrecen.

The strategy paid off, with the “lionesses” showcasing their prowess. Following a convincing win against Serbia (24:18), they faced Romania next. This match was tougher than the opening game but ended in a well-deserved victory of 27:25.

Although our defense didn’t replicate the earlier performance, allowing the opponent to score too easily, the offense rose to the occasion, bolstered by Armel Atingre’s crucial saves as Montenegro established a lead.

A concern for the team is their standing in the group, as all their hard work over the first 120 minutes must be validated in their upcoming match against the Czech Republic, who outperformed Serbia. A win would secure Montenegro’s place at the top for the main round, transferring two points into the newly created group 1.

A loss by up to three goals would still ensure qualification, albeit without point transfer, while a more significant loss could lead to elimination.

“We won’t dwell on the earlier game between Serbia and the Czech Republic; instead, we’ll focus on preparing as well as we can for the upcoming match,” said Suzana Lazović after her team’s second group victory.

Montenegro started the match brilliantly, converting their first eight attacks successfully. Dijana Mugoša confidently scored three penalties, quickly putting the scoreboard at 7:2 and later 8:3.

However, there was a dip in defensive energy, allowing Romania to rally with a 6:0 run, taking the lead at 9:8. Montenegro responded with their own surge, notching six consecutive goals to lead 14:9 at halftime with a solid four-goal advantage (16:12).

The second half began with Matea Pletikosić capitalizing on the first three attacks, maintaining at least a four-goal cushion for Montenegro until midway through the half. Yet, another Romanian comeback was anticipated, and it eventually materialized.

With six minutes to go, captain Lorena Ostase narrowed the gap to 24:22, and Romania had a final chance to close in, but Marta Batinović made a pivotal save from Anđela Stojka’s attempt, securing the 27:25 win.

“The most crucial aspect is that we secured the win. Comparing our defense against Serbia to that against Romania shows there is significant room for improvement. We anticipated Romania would keep battling until the final whistle, and I’m pleased the girls maintained their composure to the end,” noted Suzana Lazović.

The next challenge is the Czech Republic on Tuesday at 20:30.

“Our defense could use some improvement, but I am hopeful we can rectify issues in the next match. In our final group game, we need to give our all and address what went wrong against Romania,” the coach added.

Montenegro scored 27 goals without key player Milena Raičević, who was sidelined due to injury sustained in the match against Serbia.

“We felt Milena’s absence, but at the European and world championships, squad depth is vital since games are back-to-back. No player, no matter how well prepared, can play a full 60 minutes, so we must rotate effectively and ensure each player contributes meaningfully,” Suzana Lazović emphasized.

MONTENEGRO – ROMANIA 27:25 (16:12)

Debrecen – “Phoenix Arena”. Spectators: Referees: Backović, Palačković (Slovenia). Penalties: Montenegro 5 (5), Romania 2 (2). Suspensions: Montenegro 8, Romania 8 minutes.

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

Romania: Kurmenc (eight saves), Hosu (two saves), Stojka 4, Kotec 1, Bazaliju 3 (2), Nekula, Bukur, Dindiligan 2, Bojćuk, Ostase 4, Serafićeanu 6, Borš, Popa 3, Gogirla 1, Lupei 1, Terrible.

News