“Triumph at the Start of the Journey for the EHF Euro Continuation”
Matea Pletikosić at one of the previous matches against Serbia, Photo: Shutterstock
After a decade, the Phoenix Arena in Debrecen will once again host the European Handball Championship—this time featuring a group with Montenegro, unlike in 2014.
With just a day to go until the EHF Euro kicks off in Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland, our national team is set to step onto the field for their opening match.
The “lionesses” will commence their eighth appearance at the European Championships against their long-standing rival Serbia—on Friday at 20:30.
“We anticipate a challenging match against Serbia, but we will fight with every ounce of strength. They will do the same. Our previous encounters in the qualifiers were tough,” shared Matea Pletikosić from Debrecen.
Under the leadership of Suzana Lazović, Montenegro aims to defend the bronze medal secured two years ago when they were co-hosts of the European Championship.
“While we certainly still have ambitions, I believe it’s better not to discuss them publicly. We should take it step by step,” remarked the Podravka handball player.
We may be the favorites, but…
Historically, Montenegro has won most matches against Serbia, but their last encounter in major competitions ended with a win for the neighboring country at the 2021 World Cup in Spain (27:25).
“On paper, we may be slight favorites, but it’s crucial that we demonstrate that on the court. A victory in our opening match of the European Championship would boost our confidence for the remainder of the season,” believes our center back.
Tanja Ivanovic: A challenging and thrilling match
Montenegro’s aspirations for the European Championship were openly expressed by Tanja Ivanović, the right back.
It’s predictable that the first match in the “Phoenix Arena” will be exciting; after all, Montenegro and Serbia faced off in the qualifiers for this EHF Euro, where the “lionesses” claimed victory in both closely contested matches.
“We have a solid understanding of Serbia; our history of matches makes it clear that this will be a tough clash, so we must stay focused throughout and play to our strengths,” Tanja explained.
She also referenced their previous victories in the qualifiers, played in Zrenjanin (31:30) and Podgorica (26:25).
“When looking back at those encounters, we can certainly consider ourselves favorites, but I wouldn’t frame it exclusively this way… Serbia has slightly altered their team, and I’m anticipating an intriguing and challenging match. Ultimately, a win would not only be crucial for us but also provide a morale boost,” concluded Tanja Ivanović.
EHF Euro, group B
Friday
Romania – Czech Republic (18:00)
Montenegro – Serbia (20:30)
Sunday
Montenegro – Romania (18:00)
Serbia – Czech Republic (20:30)
Tuesday
Serbia – Romania (18:00)
Czech Republic – Montenegro (20:30)
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