The “lionesses” looked somewhat lethargic, possibly due to their late arrival in Ulm less than 24 hours before their first match, or perhaps they underestimated their easiest opponent. Their performance in the pre-Olympic tournament showed this lack of urgency…

Ultimately, they secured a victory, defeating their opponent by a margin of five, having previously won against them 41:26 just four months ago at the World Championship, thanks to a solid performance towards the end of the first half.

In the Olympic qualification opener, Montenegrin handball players managed to outplay Paraguay (30:25), but with tonight’s display in the Danube city of Germany, the path to the Olympic rounds in Paris seems daunting.

Decisive matches against much tougher teams from Germany and Slovenia will begin over the weekend.

Only the top two teams will advance to Paris.

Country – Montenegro faced challenges but overcame Paraguay in a tough match (30:25).

With goals from Jelena Despotović, Ivone Pavićević, and Tanje Brnović, Montenegro finally secured their first victory in Ulm (30:25).

Paraguay had several opportunities to level the score, but the “lionesses” managed to hold off their efforts. The score stands at 25:24, with just over six minutes remaining.

Paraguay finally capitalized on their previous attempts, pulling within one at 22:21 after a goal from More. Bojana Popović called a time-out to remind her players that nothing can be taken lightly.

After a 3:0 run, Paraguay narrowed the gap to 21:19 and had a chance to close the score further, but Atingre was reliable, and shortly after, she assisted Mugoša in countering.

Tatjana Brnović scored first at 20:16, followed by a successful seven-meter throw from Mugoša, restoring Montenegro’s advantage to five (21:16).

Paraguay reduced the deficit to 17:15, but Jelena Despotović quickly put an end to their streak, scoring to make it 18:15 at the beginning of the second period.

Paraguay kicked off the second half strong, scoring two quick goals to narrow the score to 17:14, while Armel Atingre stepped up in goal for Montenegro.

The second half has commenced in Ulm.

The first half has concluded – the “lionesses” surged with a 6:0 run to finish the first half at 17:12, erasing their shaky start in Ulm.

Dijana Mugoša emerged as the most effective player with seven goals, supported by Anastasija Marsenić and Itana Grbić, who each contributed three.

Marina Rajčić also performed outstandingly in goal.

Anastasija Marsenić and Mugoš each scored twice, making things much easier for Montenegro at 17:12.

Montenegro finally took their first lead in the 27th minute with goals from Dijana Mugoša and Itana Grbić, now at 14:12.

Most of Paraguay’s scoring thus far has come from two players: Marija Fernandes Estigaribija (5) and Fernanda Mora (4).

After 20 minutes of play in Ulm, the spirited team from Paraguay continues to challenge Montenegro, with the score at 10:11, following several impressive saves by Marina Rajčić.

Paraguay responded with two quick goals to regain the lead at 7:6.

Bojana Popović’s squad took their first lead of the match after ten minutes with Nina Bulatović’s goal (6:5).

The Paraguayan offense has been efficient, while Dijana Mugoša remains the standout for Montenegro, scoring four of their five goals (5:5).

Paraguay started strong, leading 1:0 and 2:1, but Dijana Mugoša quickly equalized both times (2:2).

The match in Ulm is underway…

Four months ago, during the World Championship in Helsingborg, the Lionesses convincingly defeated their opponent (41:26). Regardless, they are clear favorites tonight.