Odenze Secures Easy Victory Over Podgorica in a Key Match Despite Bleak Future Prospects
Even the exceptional performance of Radivojević, who scored 10 goals, couldn’t save the “blues.” Photo: Dejan Starčević/ŽRK Budućnost
The Budućnost handball team lacked desire, motivation, and crowd support in the “MTEL Morača Hall,” despite the match’s importance in raising funds for the treatment of Mie Popović, a student from “Dragiša Ivanović” Elementary School.
Ultimately, this resulted in an easy victory for Odense, who won 33:24 (18:13) in Podgorica.
It became evident during a timeout with the score at 8:11 that Budućnost had little hope of success.
“We haven’t had a single save from the goalkeeper, and not one foul committed,” lamented the head coach of the “blues,” Bojana Popović.
Despite some initial changes, the team struggled defensively for nearly 20 minutes. Only the incredibly motivated Jelena Radivojević sparked a glimmer of hope that, with her teammates’ support, defeat could be averted.
Radivojević contributed five of the team’s first nine goals, and by the end of the first half, Budućnost showcased potential by scoring three consecutive goals.
However, a 200-second dry spell without scoring dimmed their chances. Although Budućnost closed the gap to four points and appeared less outclassed, two careless send-offs by Ivona Pavićević and Nađa Kadović, coupled with two quick goals from Odense, sealed their fate.
Although Budućnost seemed to lose hope, they were presented with another opportunity as Vipers’ withdrawal allowed for the possibility of advancing by securing a win against Rapid in the last round.
However, to qualify for the round of 32, Budućnost likely needs a six-goal victory, following their 27:21 loss in Bucharest.
THE FUTURE – ODENZE 24:33 (13:18)
Podgorica – “Mtel Morača” Hall. Attendance: 300. Referees: Džema and Jahja (Kosovo). 2-pointers: Buducnost 0 (4), Odenze 2 (8). Expulsions: Buducnost 8, Odenze 6 minutes.
Future: Atingre (1-meter shot), M. Marsenić, Hauge (six saves and 4-meter shot), A. Marsenić, Monti-Danijelson 2, Vukčević 6, Godeč 10, Popović, Marković, Ivanović 1, Guberinić, Bulatović, Tomova, Radivojević 10, Kadović, Pavicević 2.
Odense: Jorgensen, Ten Holte (11 saves and two seven-pointers), Ordal 6 (1), Aune 2, Fauske, Gruntvig 1, Čapčet 3, Vale-Dal 2 (1), Halilčević 3, Vinter-Burgord 5, Tomsen, Hojlund 4, Rušfelt-Deila 5, Van der Flit, Elver 2.
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