On Thursday, Montenegro faces Paraguay, followed by matches against Germany and Slovenia over the weekend. This is the moment Montenegrin handball players have envisioned since their last outing in Tokyo 2021, now condensed into three crucial matches.

The “Lionesses” have secured victories in their last two qualifying games for the European Championship, seeking to make their mark at the tournament taking place in Hungary, Austria, and Switzerland later this year. Now, the most significant challenges are on the horizon.

Bojana Popović’s squad aims to clinch one of the two available spots for Paris, striving to represent Montenegro at the Olympic Games for the fourth time through the upcoming matches in Ulm.

“I thrive on challenging matches—it’s when the adrenaline flows the most. I can’t wait for everything to begin, and I’m sure my teammates feel the same,” expressed Nikola Vukčević, the pivot for the national team.

Nikolina has rejoined the national squad; her performance against Turkey in Rize was pivotal in solidifying the “Lionesses'” defense. She also shone with her goals in the recent game against Bulgaria.

“Having already qualified for the European Championship, our focus is on staying healthy. These matches are preparing us for what’s next, and we are eagerly anticipating being ready for the tournament in Ulm,” Nikolina added.

She shared her thoughts about the upcoming opponents in Ulm…

“No rival should be underestimated. While Paraguay may seem a bit easier, as we saw against Turkey, anything can happen—every team is now competitive. We must enter that match fully prepared for Germany and then Slovenia.”

Tanja Ivanović, the right back for Montenegro, believes that tough challenges await the “Lionesses” in the Danube city.

“Paraguay has a unique style, but we are familiar with them from the World Cup, so we are ready. Slovenia and Germany play a handball style similar to ours; they will be formidable opponents and will not make things easy,” Tanja noted.

Nonetheless…

“I firmly believe in our team. We have proven time and again that we can compete with anyone; we just need to maintain our energy and fighting spirit,” stated the Budućnost handball player.

The duels in Ulm are approaching quickly.

“Time is limited, but we are taking it one opponent at a time, and I believe we will succeed,” concluded Tanja Ivanović.

Upcoming Matches in Ulm

Thursday

Montenegro – Paraguay (20:15)

Saturday

Montenegro – Germany (14:15)

Sunday

Montenegro – Slovenia (16:00)

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