A ticket to a significant competition is on the line in the city hosting Finland’s largest airport. With a victory in Vantaa on Thursday, the Montenegrin handball team could secure their spot in the European Championship, paving the way for a Sunday celebration in Bar.

The “Lions” have two vital matches left in the qualifiers. After their draw with Hungary in March, a trip to the EHF Euro seems almost guaranteed; however, Didier Dinar’s squad aims for official confirmation following their match against Finland on Thursday at 17:30.

“This first match is crucial. We need to win to solidify our second place in the group,” stated Miloš Vujović.

Miloš Božović echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the focus on victory.

“We’ve discussed it in our meeting — winning is our goal, without overthinking it, to secure second place.”

In Podgorica, we learned there’s no room for relaxation

Montenegro opened the qualifiers with a narrow win over Finland (29:28) during Didier Dinar’s debut as head coach, followed by another victory away against Slovakia (38:35). A win in Vantaa would render the upcoming match with Slovakia at “Topolica” (Sunday at 18:00) moot.

“These matches are critically important. Both opposing teams have shown their competitiveness, so we need to approach them with caution. We only won against Finland by a single goal in Podgorica, indicating we can’t afford to relax,” Vujović elaborated.

He reiterated the necessity of taking the match against the Finns seriously.

“That match highlighted that we cannot underestimate them at any time. Finland has defeated Slovakia twice, demonstrating they have ambitious plans against us.”

Nonetheless, Montenegro is favored in this encounter.

“I believe we are the superior team, with better players across all positions. However, those are just words on paper; we need to prove ourselves on the field and return to Montenegro victorious,” Vujović insisted.

A new era for the “Lions” has begun, transitioning from Finland to Podgorica.

“That was our first game under the new coach, and it took some time to adapt to his style and system. Now, after working with him for a while, I believe we have significantly improved and will handle the next match with more ease,” the Montenegrin winger expressed confidently.

We know our purpose in Finland.

Miloš Božović, one of the more experienced players in the squad, returns to the national team after missing previous engagements due to injuries.

“After my time away due to injuries and commitments, we have reached the final stages of the qualifiers, where our primary goal is to secure victory in Finland. That’s essential for us to enjoy the match in Bar later,” emphasized Božović.

He is mindful that relaxation is not an option.

“Based on Finland’s performances against us and Slovakia, we anticipate a challenging game. But we are aware of our mission — a victory is what we seek, and I am confident that will come to fruition.”

Even if they face defeat, Montenegro might still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams for the continental championship in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, whilst the Finns are aware they must win.

“Perhaps that’s why they will exhibit extra determination, but I have no doubt we will match that fire,” Božović affirmed.

I’ve known Dinar for 15 years.

For Božović, working with the new coach should be seamless, as they share a long history.

“I’ve known Didier for nearly 15 or 16 years, dating back to our junior days when I went to Ciudad Madrid with Stefan Čavor. We played together for a time, and he subsequently coached me for two years at Ivri. Such familiarity makes the process much easier; I understand his system and what he expects from me,” Božović concluded.

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