The Lionesses Bypassed Romania and Came Close to Reaching the Main Stage
19:35h
Montenegro triumphed over Romania (27:25), achieving its second victory and taking a significant leap toward qualifying for the main round of the European Championship.
The “Lionesses” were in control for most of the match, trailing only once. They started the game with a bang – following a seven-goal run by Dijana Mugoša, Montenegro led 8:3.
However, Romania struck back with a 6:0 run, pushing Montenegro into a scoring drought that lasted six minutes, allowing Romania to take the lead for the first time with Lupei’s goal – 9:8.
In response, Montenegro rallied back. Following the Romanians’ run, the “Lionesses” scored six consecutive goals, extending their lead to 14:9 after another goal from Mugoša.
By halftime, Montenegro had established a four-goal lead (16:12), and they maintained a five-goal advantage at various points in the second half.
With under four minutes remaining, Đina Jauković scored to give Montenegro a 27:23 lead. Romania responded with two quick goals, narrowing the gap to 27:25 and had an opportunity to make it a one-goal game, but Batinović denied Stojka.
Mugoša was the standout performer, netting eight goals, while Jauković and Pletikosić contributed four goals each. Brnović and Pavićević each added three goals.
For Romania, Serafićianu was the top scorer with six goals.
19:27h
Gooooo! Đina Jauković scores – 27:23, with just under four minutes left in the match.
19:25h
Stojka followed by Pavićević – 26:23.
19:24h
Ostase cut the lead to 24:22, but Dijana Mugoša pushed Montenegro back to plus three – 25:22.
19:19h
Serafićianu scores from the wing – 24:21.
19:17h
A first goal for Aleksandra Dindiligan – 24:20.
19:16h
Jelena Vukčević scores from seven meters, restoring Montenegro’s five-goal advantage – 24:19.
19:13h
Montenegro takes a plus four again, courtesy of Ivona Pavićević from the wing – 23:19.
19:10h
Stojka scores from nine meters – 22:19.
19:09h
Back-to-back goals, with Dijana Mugoša finding the net for the seventh time – 22:18.
19:08h
Serafićianu scores from the wing – 21:18.
19:07h
Romania is now trailing by three goals with Stojka scoring – 20:17. Then Brnović puts them back up – 21:17.
19:05h
Popa cuts the deficit to 20:16, and Ostase receives a yellow card.
19:05h
Goal by Jelena Vukčević – 20:15.
19:00h
Matea Pletikosić starts a streak – Montenegro leading 19:14.
19:00h
Another goal from Matea Pletikosić – 18:14.
18:57h
Romania finds the net, Bazalia scores from seven meters, followed by a stop on Vukčević – 17:13.
18:56h
Matea Pletikosić scores again, making a brilliant breakthrough – 17:12.
18:55h
Atingre stops Serafićianu, making an excellent start to the second half.
18:55h
The second half has commenced.