The “lions” gave their all, but this time luck was not on their side. In a crucial moment, Vuko Borozan had a chance to equalize against the formidable Iceland, which would have kept the Montenegrin handball players in the running for a spot in the main stage of the European Championship’s 16th edition. However, Bjergvin Pal Gustavson made a critical save, maintaining the score at 31:30.

Discussions will likely arise again regarding the refereeing standards, particularly the subtle nuances that casual handball fans might overlook (like Ingi Magnuson’s steps leading to the goal for 28:26 in the 54th minute), alongside the commendable effort displayed by the players selected by Vlad Šola.

Competing against a team boasting the impressive back three from Magdeburg, including European champion and three-time world champion Aron Palmarsson, who has reached the Champions League final four ten times, Mirko Radović and his teammates played with unwavering determination.

They came tantalizingly close to success, but minor errors proved costly—first, the exclusion of the reinvigorated Radojica Čepić in the 57th minute, followed by the regrettable wrong substitution involving the standout Luka Radović with just 88 seconds remaining.

This setback could have been averted if Borozan had experienced a stroke of luck after an arduous battle both offensively and defensively against the “fishermen.” Unfortunately, a similar fate befell Branko Vujović against Hungary—rather than securing a draw, he struck the opposing goalkeeper.

This is not the end for the “lions,” as they are set to face Serbia on Tuesday. Should the “eagles” fail to defeat Hungary tonight (20:30 CEST), the upcoming match will hold significant importance for Šola’s team. A victory would secure a position in the first hat for the World Cup playoff draw, taking place in Norway, Denmark, and Croatia.

MONTENEGRO – ICELAND 30:31 (15:17)

Munich – “Olympiahalle”. Attendance: 12,128. Referees: Mazeika, Gatelis (Lithuania). Penalties: Montenegro 1 (1), Iceland 3 (3). Exclusions: Montenegro 12, Iceland 8 minutes.

Montenegro: Matović, SIMIĆ (12 saves), Bakić, M. VUJOVIĆ 2 (1), Čavor 2, LAZOVIĆ 1, Čepić 3, B. VUJOVIĆ 3, M. RADOVIĆ 3, KALUĐEROVIĆ 4, Božović, Vujacić, L. Radović 3, Anđelić, BOROZAN 5, Grbović 4.

Iceland: Gustavson (seven saves), HALGRIMSON (seven saves), RIKHARDSON 1, Smarason 1, PALMARSON 3, V. Kristjanson 1, ELLISON 3, Jonson 2, G. Kristjanson 3, Gislason, MAGNUSON 7 (3), Valencia 1, VIDARSON 6, ARNARSON, Guđjonson 3.