In a thrilling match held at SC Topolica, the Montenegrin handball players wrapped up their successful European Championship qualifying campaign with another victory, defeating Slovakia 33:28.

Under the guidance of Didier Dinar, the team secured their seventh consecutive and eighth overall spot in the prestigious EHF Euro, needing a strong finish to solidify their ratings.

And they achieved that triumphantly. Despite the absence of key players like “defense minister” Nebojša Simić and backup Matović due to serious injuries, Haris Suljević made an impressive 10 saves, including three from 40 meters during the first half. He garnered ovations in the 40th minute after saving a fourth penalty from the Slovak team, who had five attempts.

Left-handed shooter Risto Vujačić also excelled, converting all eight shots in the first half and finishing with 10 goals, with just one disallowed for a foul.

Goalkeeper Danilo Mihaljević demonstrated his skills towards the end, proving he is a reliable asset for the future.

Despite fielding a weakened squad missing several first-team players, the “reds” adeptly managed to find solutions. A moment of relaxation in the 25th minute prompted Dinar to call a timeout when the Slovaks reduced an eight-goal deficit to four.

With Vujačić scoring 10 goals and Luka Radović contributing five, Suljević’s 13 saves and Mihaljević’s seven were key to their success.

Nebojša Simić, who has had an outstanding season prior to a serious knee injury in Melsungen, showed his support for the team from the sidelines in Bar.

“Thanks to the audience for creating such a fantastic atmosphere; we delivered a victory for them. The game unfolded as we wanted it to—through our teamwork. While it’s challenging for the younger players to compare themselves to Simi, we will strive to make a meaningful contribution as we maintain our presence in major competitions.

With four wins, a draw, and one loss to Hungary, they secured second place in the group, and Dinar expressed his satisfaction.

“Montenegro is a nation with a big heart, and I admire everything about it. From the start, I aimed to involve as many players as possible, and today proved it was a wise strategy. We qualified, and although we will continue to work hard, it’s time for us to celebrate,” emphasized the legendary French coach.

All participants in the 2026 European Handball Championship will include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Hungary, Montenegro, Iceland, Georgia, Spain, Serbia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Faroe Islands, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Poland, Italy, Switzerland, and Lithuania, Romania.

MONTENEGRO – SLOVAKIA 33:28 (18:13)

Bar – SC “Topolica”. Attendance: 1,700. Referees: Bojić and Hurih (Austria). Two-pointers: Montenegro 1 (5), Slovakia 1 (4). Suspensions: Montenegro 8, Slovakia 38 minutes. Red card: Antl (Slovakia) in the 50th minute.

Montenegro: Suljević (10 saves and four penalties), Mihaljević (seven saves), Bakić 1, Dragašević 4, M. Vujović 1 (1), Lazović, Čepić 4, Ćorsović 3, M. Radović, Kaluđerović 2, S. Vujović 10, Božović, Vujačić 5, L. Radović 2, Pelidija 1.

Slovakia: Žernovič 1 (five saves), Konečni (five saves), Brijatka 3, Potisk 4 (1), Fenar, Kravčak, Prokop 6, Petržela 3, Antl 3, Dopjera 1, Štefina 2, Morvačik, Smetanka 5, Valent, Ratkovski.

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