The group for the European Championship presents a significant challenge, with Montenegrin handball players Đurđina Jauković and Ivana Godeč sharing their thoughts following today’s EHF Euro draw.

The “Lionesses” will compete in Group B at the upcoming continental championship, facing Romania, Serbia, and the Czech Republic. Two teams will advance to the main stage.

Montenegro begins the tournament with a match against Serbia on November 29, followed by Romania two days later, and then the Czech Republic on December ____.

“We’ve been placed in a tough group with no clear underdogs. We are familiar with all three teams, having played against them over the last two years. Recently, we faced Serbia in qualifiers, and the Czech Republic in the match for seventh place at the last World Championship. Our previous encounter with Romania at the last European Championship was significant, as we won in Skopje and secured a place in the semi-finals, ultimately clinching a medal,” said Jauković, reflecting on the draw.

The athlete from Nikšić is currently recovering from an injury that kept her out of the previous Olympic qualification tournament in Ulm.

“It will be challenging, but we will take it step by step. Our main objective is to qualify for the main round and gather as many points as possible. After that, we will outline further plans,” Jauković stated.

Montenegro’s group in the main phase will intersect with Groups A (Sweden, Hungary, North Macedonia, and Turkey) and C (France, Spain, Poland, and Portugal).

“We have arguably received the most challenging group where every team is well-known and there are no clear favorites or underdogs. Knowing our opponents well will be invaluable as we prepare for our matches. We’ve recently competed against Serbia in qualifiers, faced the Czech Republic at the last World Cup, and remember our victory over Romania in Skopje that took us to the semi-finals of EHF Euro 2022. Romania will now be without Neag, which significantly alters the landscape since her contributions to the team were crucial, especially her synergy with pivot Pinte,” Godeč commented.

If the “lionesses” are at full strength, the task will become easier.

“Our focus remains on our performance. It’s vital for us to be complete, and I believe that when Đurđina Jauković returns, it will help immensely. Her absence was felt during the Olympic qualification tournament. Our primary aim is reaching the main round and acquiring as many points as we can, as demonstrated by the importance of achieving significant results during EHF Euro 2022,” remarked the Budućnost handball player.

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