For many years, Montenegrin handball players participated in major competitions with little fanfare upon their return.

However, recent years have marked a turning point, as a talented generation, whom coach Ljubomir Obradović once predicted would achieve great things, has started to deliver results.

Four years ago in Graz, they secured their first victory at the European Championships, followed two years ago by groundbreaking accomplishments: three wins and an 11th place finish on the continent. Now it appears they have taken another step forward.

While the “lions” have played “only” three matches, their performances suggest that the prophecy of the renowned coach, who led from 2014 to 2016, might be coming true.

The Government of the School team played all three matches at the European Championship in Germany with just a one-goal margin — narrowly missing draws against Hungary and Iceland, and triumphing over Serbia with a last-second goal by Nemanja Grbović, earning them a position in the first hat ahead of the World Championship playoffs.

Upon their return to Podgorica, the “Lions” were greeted by around 100 fans at the airport.

“Thank you for coming to show your gratitude for everything we achieved at this championship. It is heartwarming to see these kids and their smiles. This assures us that we are doing the right things for Montenegro, and I am confident that will continue,” said Miloš Vujović.

Montenegro will await its playoff adversaries for the championship in Norway, Denmark, and Croatia until Saturday, January 27. Matches are slated for either May 8 or 9, and May 11 or 12, with Serbia posing as the toughest challenge.

Avoiding the steadily improving Faroe Islands, Greece, and possibly Switzerland would be advantageous. Potential opponents could include Georgia, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as four winners from the pre-qualifications: Belgium or Italy, Estonia or Ukraine, Finland or Lithuania, and the better of the two matches between Israel and Luxembourg.

“I’m eager to discover who our rival will be. We approach the upcoming matches with great optimism and firmly believe in our chances of qualifying for the World Cup,” expressed Vujović.

Among the young fans, Nebojsa Simic was the most sought after for autographs. The “lions” goalkeeper shared that it was challenging to watch the conclusion of the match against Serbia from the stands after receiving a red card in the 36th minute.

“It’s far easier to be on the field, focusing on the game and the upcoming shots. From the stands, every pause feels endless. I can’t imagine how I would have coped if I’d been sent off earlier. During the last play, I saw Čavor take a shot, then Cupara made a save, and before I knew it, Grbović had scored. I even bumped my head on a cameraman in my excitement! Those moments are unforgettable,” said the Baranin, who celebrates his 31st birthday on Friday.

While their victory over Serbia eased their path to the World Championship, Šola’s squad laments missing the opportunity to compete in the main stage in Cologne, where they could’ve aimed for a spot in the Olympic Games qualifiers.

“The situation was ideal for navigating the crossovers. Spain was out, and Austria advanced — similar to our performance at the European Championship in Hungary when we came out of nowhere. It would have been great to test them under pressure, as we have more experience. I believe we would have had the upper hand in that match, and having faced Croatia in Poreč where we were equal until the end, I can only feel regret,” commented Simić.

WE NEED A CENTER BACK, AND I WOULD LIKE A TWO-METER PIVOT

The return of Vuk Borozan has bolstered Montenegro’s defense and offense significantly, yet it seems they still need something for major victories.

“Borozan’s return is monumental for us. His individual prowess led us to victory against Serbia, and his defensive skills are outstanding; he’s been educated in top coaching programs and shares that knowledge with his teammates,” emphasized Simić.

The “Lions” possess excellent right backs and wings, but a primary playmaker is still elusive.

“We’ve got Branko and Miloš Vujović, alongside Luka Radović, while Nemanja Grbović is always there when needed. We must find a capable center back. Radojica Čepić is currently playing a mix of positions at his club. Sometimes we require a quicker style, necessitating a center back who can facilitate team play and assume more responsibility,” Simić noted.

Šola is one of the few selectors who took only two pivots to the championship, as Miodrag Ćorsović was ruled out early, leaving Nemanja Grbović to anchor the offense while Vuk Lazović focused on defense.

“We know Vuk Lazović shoulders a lot of defensive responsibility, which is his primary role. Offensively, he has limited movement and block capabilities. Nemanja is exceptional in movement and opening lanes, but we also need a larger ‘Krkan’ to create blocks for our defenders, allowing for more shooting space. Ideally, we want someone like him because it would alleviate our need for constant rotation. We’re waiting for that player; I’m unsure of his status,” Simić stated candidly.

The Melzungen goalkeeper shared that he hadn’t seen Ćorsović, who was recovering prior to Trimo Trebnja’s pivot being withdrawn from the team.

“I wasn’t part of the early preparations, so I don’t have insights about him. By the time I returned, the decision had already been made to go with two pivots. A tall, strong pivot could infuse some freshness into our game. We now have two exceptional players in each position, allowing us to rely on bench depth like never before. We’ll see what the future holds,” concluded Simić.

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