The intense determination was evident once again; this time, in contrast to the disheartening playoff encounters with Italy, Montenegro secured a well-deserved victory. However, some issues still need addressing as the new coach continues to develop the team.

The Montenegrin handball players embarked on a new journey under the renowned Didier Dinar, and in the vibrant atmosphere of the “Bemax Arena,” they triumphed over Finland (29:28), marking a significant first step toward the 2026 European Championship.

Should they prevail against Slovakia in Košice in just four days, they will find themselves one step closer to the Euros, hosted by Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, providing the new coach with more opportunities to implement his strategies.

Didier Dinar is synonymous with defensive excellence, and his debut match revealed that he has considerable work ahead to reinforce this aspect of the game for the team. One can only speculate how the outcome might have changed without the outstanding performance of goalkeeper Nebojsa Simić, who made 15 crucial saves.

After a closely contested first ten minutes at the “Bemax Arena,” Dinar’s squad made an initial break as defenders Radojica Čepić and Branko Vujović scored, leading the “lions” to an 8:5 advantage.

This momentum did not faze the Finns, who quickly closed the gap (8:7) and managed to keep the game competitive. When Montenegro reached a four-goal lead at 16:12, they finished the half with a 3:0 run, with Simić preventing the Finns from equalizing just before the break (16:15).

Dinar frequently rotated players in both defense and offense, and he must have appreciated Čepić’s performance, who scored five goals without missing (ending with 7 out of 7), as well as the tenacity displayed by his team.

Similar dynamics played out in the second half; Montenegro maintained the lead while the northern European side refused to back down. Following another goal from Branko Vujović, Montenegro restored a four-goal lead at 26:22 with ten minutes left.

During these crucial moments, Bakić thwarted a Finnish attack, and Dinar’s jubilation on the bench showcased the significance of the situation…

However, drama unfolded in the closing moments.

Nikola Matović fouled Knapinen during a seven-meter shot. Consequently, Branko Vujović missed his attempt, leaving Montenegro leading by just 27:26 entering the final two minutes.

Nonetheless, a powerful shot from Vasilij Kaluđerović and another goal from Branko effectively cemented the victory (29:26)…

MONTENEGRO – FINLAND 29:28 (16:15)

Location: Podgorica – “Bemax Arena”. Attendance: 2,200. Referees: Erdogan and Ozdeniz (Turkey). Penalties: Montenegro 5 (3), Finland 1 (0). Suspensions: Montenegro 6 minutes, Finland 6 minutes.

Montenegro: Matović (seven goals), Simić (15 saves), Bakić 2, Dragašević, M. Vujović 4 (2), Lazović 1, Čepić 7, Ćorsović, B. Vujović 7 (1), M. Radović 1, Kaluđerović 3, S. Vujović 1, Vujačić, L. Radović 1, L. Vujović, Borozan 2.

Finland: Klama (penalty), Roslander (15 saves and penalty), Lindberg 3, Kankanpo 1, Henrikson 1, Ekman 1, Knapinen, Grenmark, Hjalmarson 2, Sirjolo 1, R. Granlund 2, M. Granlund 4, Vainionpo 7, Lajne 6, Karlson, Nordlund.

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