After a challenging match, the Montenegrin handball team managed to secure a victory against Paraguay, the lone outsider in the Olympic qualification tournament, winning 30:25. Itana Grbić, one of the more seasoned players on our national team, mentioned that the “lionesses” anticipated a tough encounter.

“I’m not sure who thought it would be easy. Even at the last World Cup, we were tied with them until the 40th minute. With each tournament, they are improving in both skill and technique. They are a team that cannot be underestimated, as they play with a quick ball movement and have agile players,” Itana said.

Looking ahead, the competition will intensify as Montenegro faces Germany on Saturday and Slovenia the next day.

“In the next 48 hours, we need to make some changes to give ourselves a fighting chance,” stated the center back for Montenegro.

Itana emphasized the need for a shift in mindset among the “lionesses.”

“While this is just the beginning of the tournament and our first opponent, the mentality and approach we bring are crucial. We must remember that we’re playing for a spot in the Olympic Games, and everything—from our attitude to our strategies—needs to evolve,” Itana explained.

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