Traveling by flight from Podgorica, with a stop in Warsaw, the “lionesses” are expected to reach Ulm around 22:00 tonight. There are only two paths emerging from this historic city on the Danube – one leads to Paris and the Olympic Games, while the other signifies returning home and a summer without experiencing the biggest sports event.

The anticipation is over; it’s time for the most crucial three matches since Tokyo 2021. The Montenegrin handball team will kick off their Olympic qualification against Paraguay tomorrow evening (Thursday, 20:15). Their competitors in Ulm will be Germany and Slovenia, with the top two teams securing their places in France.

“We’ve been looking forward to this for four years, so the stakes are incredibly high, possibly the highest we’ve faced,” remarks Tatjana Brnović, the pivot of Montenegro and one of the top handball players in the world.

“This is the greatest challenge yet and the biggest dream for all of us. Tough qualifications await, and it will indeed be a fierce battle, but our desire to go to Paris is immense, and we believe we can achieve it,” adds Ivona Pavićević, the left wing for the “lionesses”.

With the Olympic Games on the line, there are no easy opponents on the journey; however, the initial match should serve as a “warm-up” for the critical encounters against Germany and Slovenia later this weekend.

The difference between Montenegro and Paraguay was highlighted in their recent World Cup match where the team led by Bojana Popović secured an easy victory (41:26).

“Germany is likely the tournament favorite since they are the host nation. Slovenia is certainly a strong team, just like us,” Ivona noted.

The Lionesses have faith in their abilities, but they recognize that no one will hand them a ticket to Paris in Ulm.

“I anticipate a fierce competition. Our immense desire must be our main advantage and it should be evident on the court. We want to prove why we are here and achieve our goal,” Tatjana Brnović states confidently.

Ivona shares a similar sentiment.

“We face tough opponents ahead, but we come armed with great energy, determination, and desire, so I believe we will excel in Ulm,” Ivona Pavićević added.

A particularly important match could be the confrontation with Slovenia, coached by the legendary Montenegrin tactician Dragan Adžić, the man who led the “lionesses” to their first and only Olympic medal 12 years ago.

“Overall, everyone from our national team is familiar with Slovenia because we’ve played numerous training matches against them. They are not strangers to us. Itana Grbić and I have experience playing there, so we understand them well. We will not be a surprise to them, nor will they be to us,” says Tanja, while Ivona adds, “We know each other very well, and the team that displays more determination to win at that moment will certainly triumph – this is the Olympic Games, and everyone will give their all.”

What should serve as Montenegro’s key advantage on their road to Paris?

“Our strength, determination, and belief in what we do,” Tatjana Brnović highlighted.

“Character,” Ivona Pavićević responded.

Schedule for the tournament in Ulm

Thursday

Montenegro – Paraguay (20:15)

Saturday

Montenegro – Germany (14:15)

Sunday

Montenegro – Slovenia (16:00)

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