The “lionesses” appeared somewhat “sleepy,” perhaps due to arriving in Ulm less than 24 hours before their first match or being overly relaxed against what seemed to be an easy opponent. This lack of energy was clearly visible at the onset of the pre-Olympic tournament.

Ultimately, the Montenegrin handball team managed to secure a victory against their rivals, winning 30:25. This was a considerable drop from the 41:26 victory they had achieved just four months earlier during the World Championship. The victory only came thanks to a strong finish at the end of the first half.

While Montenegro won against Paraguay, the performance displayed in Ulm leaves the Olympic trials and Paris feeling quite distant.

As decisive matches against stronger teams like Germany and Slovenia loom this weekend, only two seats remain on the flight to the City of Light.

“We need to make some adjustments in the next 48 hours if we want to have any hope,” stated Itana Grbić.

“It’s tough to play games for which we haven’t prepared sufficiently, and it’s crucial to finish strong. The girls were fixated on Saturday’s match, which isn’t ideal. Other national teams might manage, but we’re not there yet,” added their coach, Bojana Popović.

The small and agile Paraguayan team, led by Maria Fernandes Estigaribia and Fernando Mora, relentlessly challenged Montenegro. Up until the 25th minute, the teams were essentially trading goals, with the Montenegrins relying on a standout performance from Diana Mugoš (seven goals in the first half) and solid saves from goalkeeper Marina Rajcic.

During a crucial moment, Paraguayan head coach Marisa Alejandra Servin called a timeout, which inadvertently benefited Montenegro. The team surged ahead with a 6:0 run, finishing the first half at 17:12.

What seemed like relief quickly turned into continued struggle, as Paraguay answered back with a 3:0 run in the second half, almost turning the match into a nail-biter with several chances to even the score.

“I don’t know who thought this would be easy; we’re not that confident yet,” Itana remarked.

“Even at the last World Cup, we were neck and neck until the 40th minute. They continually improve with each championship, becoming more technically adept and posing a challenge for us with their quick ball movement and agile players,” she added.

Jelena Despotović contributed with two goals, Ivona Pavićević added one, and Tatjana Brnović scored from midfield to ensure a comfortable ending for the Montenegrin team.

“We must remember that we’re competing for the Olympic Games, and it’s essential to alter our mindset and approach,” Itana insisted.

On Saturday, Montenegro faces Germany, followed by a match against Slovenia on Sunday. Germany started the tournament strong, defeating Slovenia 31:25.

“All the girls are doing well, which is the most important thing. We’re now focusing on the upcoming matches, as a different level of European handball awaits us,” emphasized Bojana Popović.

MONTENEGRO – PARAGUAY 30:25 (17:12)

Neu-Ulm – “Ratiofarm Arena”. Attendance: 700. Officials: Ko and Lee (South Korea). Penalties: Montenegro 3 (2), Paraguay 2 (1). Suspensions: Montenegro 4, Paraguay 4 minutes.

Montenegro: Rajčić (six saves), Atingre (six saves), Marsenić 4, Pletikosić, Mugoša 9 (2), Ćorović, Popović, Ivanović 1, Brnović 3, Bulatović 2, Klikovac, Despotović 5, Pavićević 2, Kepić, Grbić 4, Vukčević.

Paraguay: M. Viljalba, Ocampos (6 saves), Acuña 3, Insfran 9 (2), Gonsales, Leiva 1, S. Viljalba, Fernandes 5, Bogdanof, Quinones, Lugo 2, Torres, Viljasboa, Portillo 5 (1), Samaniego, Jimenez.

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