“Lions” Clinch Eighth Place at Euro in Finland
In Vantaa, the Montenegrin handball team claimed their spot in the European Championship, doing so a round before the qualifications concluded.
The “Lions” ended any doubts in the away match against Finland, easily confirming their status as favorites with a final score of 33:28.
This marks the eighth appearance for Montenegrin handball players at the European Championships, their highest rank being 11th in 2022.
The excitement in Vantaa was limited to the opening minutes, with Finland leading 1:0 and then 2:1, before Didier Dinar’s squad took charge and steadily built a lead.
By halftime, Montenegro enjoyed an eight-point advantage, and early in the second half, they increased it to nine. However, the game shifted slightly, allowing Finland to cut the deficit to 25:21 and nearly get within three points after a timeout.
Montenegro responded with two quick goals: Miodrag Ćorsović scored into an empty net, followed by a seven-meter throw from Miloš Vujović, pushing the score to 27:21.
Finland managed to narrow the gap to 28:25 with just over eight minutes left, but they could not threaten Montenegro’s victory thereafter.
Branko Vujović led the score with seven goals, while Ćorsović added six, and Miloš Vujović and Radojica Čepić each netted five. Among the standout players, Haris Suljević excelled with 14 saves in goal.
Santeri Vanionpa was Finland’s top performer, contributing with nine goals.
Montenegro will conclude their qualifying campaign this Sunday against Slovakia in Bar.
FINLAND – MONTENEGRO 28:33 (12:19)
Vantaa – “Vanta Energia arena”. Attendance: 3,500. Referees: Carmo and Mirsch (France). Penalties: Finland 1 (3), Montenegro 3 (8). Suspensions: Finland 4 minutes, Montenegro 2 minutes.
Finland: Klama (six saves), Roslander (five saves), Lindberg 1, Kankanpa 2, Henrikson 2, Ekman 2, Peitsaro, Helander 2, Renpa, Sirjala, Granlund 5, Vainionpa 8, Laine 2, Sjested, Karlson 1, Nordlund 3.
Montenegro: Suljević (14 saves), Mihaljević, Bakić 2, Dragasevic, M. Vujovic 5, Lazovic, Cepic 5, Corsovic 6, B. Vujovic 7, M. Radovic, Kaluđerovic, S. Vujovic 2, Božovic 3, Vujačić 1, L. Radovic 2, Pelidija.
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