The passports for the European Championship are ready, and it remains to be determined from which position the Montenegrin handball players will enter the draw for the tournament in Hungary, Austria, and Switzerland.

If they manage to defeat Serbia again tonight (at 18:72 p.m.) at the “Bemax Arena,” the “lionesses” will almost theoretically secure the 6th position in group X, granting them a more favorable draw.

This marks the ninth encounter between the two former compatriots, with Montenegro enjoying a significantly better record, claiming six victories (notably the semi-final of the EHF Euro 2012 in the “Belgrade Arena” with a score of 27:26), in addition to one draw and a loss during the 2021 World Cup in Spain with a significantly weakened squad (27:25).

Three days ago in the “Crystal Hall” in Zrenjanin, Tatjana Brnović and Itana Grbić shone brightly, with Grbić netting the winning goal that made the highlight reel. There are hopes that tonight’s match will go similarly well.

The expectation of a thrilling performance is bolstered by the fact that “Bemax Arena” will be filled to capacity, as tickets have completely sold out.

“We anticipated a challenging game in Zrenjanin, but it became evident just how strong a team we are. Even with some missing players, our performance on the field did not falter. We played exceptionally well. We had the lead in the first half, and although the standards and criteria were slightly uneven in the second half, that’s typical for an away match. Looking ahead to April, we need to be prepared for the qualification tournament for the Olympic Games, as it will be tough against Germany and Slovenia,” stated Maja Savić.

Serbia aims to cause an upset in Podgorica, with coach Uros Bregar committed to a winning approach, though Montenegro is the clear favorite.

“We want to conclude this week on a high note. Bregar mentioned that he won’t come with a white flag; it’s only natural and sportsmanlike for Serbia to seek victory here. That said, we also aim to win, particularly as we’re on home ground,” clarified Bojana Popović, the first assistant coach.

New national team member Armel Atingre anticipates a repeat of the success from Zrenjanin.

“I am confident that we will perform even better, especially since we will have home-field advantage. I am not shocked by the opponent’s performance in the second half of the previous match; I expected them to attempt a comeback, as games between Montenegro and Serbia are always unique. I hope to replicate the excellence demonstrated in the second half at Zrenjanin throughout the entire match tonight,” remarked the 1-year-old goalkeeper.

The player, originally from the Ivory Coast and previously representing France, will make her debut defending Montenegro’s goal in front of home supporters tonight.

She is well aware of the intense atmosphere, having been a part of the coaching staff during the European Championship in 2022 when the “lionesses” competed in “Morača.”

“It will be just like always; I know what to expect. The last competition felt like a dream for me; I believe it will be similar again. Winning will secure us 1st place, and I’m confident we’ll achieve that,” Atingre stated assuredly, mixing Montenegrin and English.

Tanja Ivanovic shares no doubts about achieving another victory.

“Our desire to win is undoubted. While it was challenging to play in Zrenjanin, we started strong. Our defense was top-notch, even though there were moments of decline as the match progressed. We are satisfied with the two points we gained and are looking forward to another tough and demanding match. We are thrilled that the arena will be full and can’t wait to enjoy the atmosphere,” she concluded.

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