Countries like Brazil, Serbia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, and Spain, along with Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, set the stage, but after the opening playoff match, it is nearly certain that the Montenegrin women’s handball team will secure a spot at the World Championship in Germany and the Netherlands this winter.

The “Lionesses” clearly demonstrated their superiority over Portugal right from the draw, and Suzana Lazović’s squad left no doubt with a decisive 31:19 victory in Fafe that opened the World Cup doors wide.

Montenegro took charge from the very beginning in northern Portugal, and during the first 11 minutes of the second half, they took a pivotal step towards victory with a critical 6:1 run, effectively sealing the match and likely the two-match series.

Đurđina Jauković, wearing the captain’s armband, began the match with the first goal and finished the first half with a penalty goal, showcasing her experience. This goal gave the “lions” a three-point cushion before halftime (14:11).

From that initial goal onward, Montenegro maintained the lead. With several key saves by Armel Atingra and a goal by Ivana Godeč in the 18th minute, they established their first three-point advantage (8:5).

Portugal also had a formidable goalkeeper, Jessica Ferreira, who made several impressive saves to keep her team within striking distance. However, the “lions” consistently responded through coordinated efforts between Matea Pletikosić and Tatjana Brnović (who even scored from her own half), as well as the finesse of Jelena Vukčević and the skills of Đurđina Jauković.

The turning point for Montenegro came at the start of the second half when Tatjana Brnović and Ivona Pavićević each contributed three goals, propelling the team to a commanding 20:12 lead—Portugal scored only once within those first 11 minutes of the half.

The “lionesses” played with confidence until the final whistle, showcasing remarkable plays and goals. Following impressive shots from Matea Pletikosić and Ivona Pavicevic, Montenegro extended their lead to 11 points (29:18).

By the end, our team had stepped up their performance, concluding the match with a remarkable 12-point advantage…

With the World Cup opportunities wide open, this match will also be remembered for Marija Božović’s debut for the national team, as well as the fact that coach Suzana Lazović provided all players with playing time until the end.

The second leg is scheduled for Saturday at “Bemax Arena” (6 PM), presenting another chance for fans to express their gratitude to the Montenegrin handball team for advancing to yet another major competition—their 19th overall.

PORTUGAL – MONTENEGRO 19:31 (11:14)

FAFE – “Paviliao Multiusos de Fafe”. Attendance: 1,000. Referees: Cournelle and Lamour (France). 3-pointers: Portugal 3 (6), Montenegro 4 (6). Suspensions: Portugal 6, Montenegro 58 minutes. Red card: Ćorović (Montenegro) in the second half.

Portugal: Ferreira (five saves and a 1-meter shot), Martins (three saves), Freitas 1, Sabino 1, Sequeira 2, Silva, Figeira, Lima 3, Rodriguez 1, Souza 1, Jesus 2, Rezende 6, Mincuña, Figeiredo 1, Moreno, Unzanke 0.

Montenegro: Atingre (10 saves), M. Marsenić (one save), Batinović (three saves), A. Marsenić 1, Jauković 4, Pletikosić 6, Godeč 2, Mugoša 4, Džaferović 1, Vukčević 2, Ćorović, Božović, Brnović 6, Tatar 1, Pavicević 4, Kepić.

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