“Typically, we wait until the final match for resolutions. While calculations are underway, our focus is on clinching victory in Stockholm.”
Radović with his players during the match against Germany, Photo: KSCG/Saša Matić
The reigning world champions, backed by a robust team, faced no issues against a depleted Montenegro, securing a victory in Podgorica with a score of 95:76. However, there are not too many reasons to be concerned.
Our basketball players are just one step away from EuroBasket, with decisions pending in three days in Stockholm and Bamberg—Montenegro will contend with Sweden while Germany takes on Bulgaria. It’s feasible that all teams end up with a 3-3 record.
“Germany came in as the clear favorite in this group. Had they secured wins against Bulgaria and Sweden, we would be heading to EuroBasket already. But it’s not over yet. We need to prepare rigorously for Sweden, considering all scenarios and calculations. What’s certain is that we’re aiming for victory,” stated coach Boško Radović during the press conference.
Germany showed up in Podgorica with six world champions, a departure from their lineups in previous matches against Bulgaria and Sweden.
“They approached both matches with a strong team, and frankly, we’re not accustomed to going into a game calmly and wrapping up everything before the final match, shot, or rebound,” Radović elaborated.
Under these circumstances, did the coach anticipate a better performance from his players?
“Honestly, I expected better defensive play. I don’t think we’ve conceded 95 points in a long time. I realized our offense was hampered due to the absence of all our point guards, but I believed we could defend better. The third quarter stood out to me, as we didn’t play like ourselves at all,” Radović emphasized.
Montenegro’s point margin is plus nine, while Sweden’s is minus 33 and Bulgaria’s minus 32. It appears that even if Saša Vezenkov and his teammates pull off a surprise in Bamberg, Montenegro’s place in EuroBasket is secure.
“I stressed before the game that every point matters, whether we’re leading or trailing. Without a clear path to victory, we must fight for every point. However, we have to acknowledge the caliber of the opposing team. Now, our focus shifts to Sweden, as we’ve invested greatly to reach the European Championship,” Radović clarified.
He confirmed that Nikola Ivanovic will be participating in the game against Sweden (he was absent tonight), while Luka Bogavac, who sustained a broken nose during the match, remains doubtful.
In conclusion, he expressed gratitude to the fans who filled the Mtel “Morača” hall.
“I sincerely thank them; after a long time, they haven’t seen enough good basketball from us in ‘Morača’, but I am truly grateful for their fantastic support. We aimed to defeat Germany, but the gap in quality is clear—they are the superior team. Other teams like France have faltered, yet we remain the same lineup,” Radović affirmed.
Marko Simonović stood out as Montenegro’s best player, yet even he couldn’t prevent a convincing loss.
“It was a challenging game against a strong, experienced team, and we didn’t perform as we prepared. The Germans have had losses in previous qualifiers—with different lineups—but they now showcased their strongest team. That match is behind us; we need to focus on preparing for Sweden,” our center remarked.
He also had a message for the fans.
“The atmosphere was phenomenal. I must thank the fans; they energized us even when we didn’t meet expectations. I hope they will support us in the same numbers in the upcoming matches,” Simonović stated.
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