With just 10 days remaining before the European Championship kicks off in Germany, Montenegrin handball players face two final and challenging matches.

The team, led by Vlada Šola, will compete against Croatia on Thursday at 17:00, followed by a match against Slovenia at the same time on Friday.

“The tournament in Poreč will serve as a significant test for the European Championship, as we will be competing against top-tier teams. While Croatia and Slovenia might have the upper hand on paper, we aren’t planning on conceding. We might experiment a bit, but we’re still focused on the outcomes,” stated Branko Vujović.

The right-back from Hannover is confident in Montenegro’s ability to confront their opponents in Group C of the European Championship, which includes Hungary, Iceland, and Serbia.

“Our group is particularly intriguing. While Iceland is considered a favorite, I believe we are not merely outsiders. We have proven our capability against larger national teams. We’re optimistic about creating opportunities in all three matches,” Vujović remarked.

The “lions” came together on December 20, and full team training commenced only before the New Year.

“It’s premature to assess our situation since we haven’t trained collectively until now. The upcoming matches with Croatia and Slovenia will provide real insights. For now, everything seems positive, and I believe we’re on track as envisioned,” Vujović added.

Among the last to join the squad was the “Minister of Defense,” Nebojša Simić, who is expected to be a significant asset for Šola.

“We eagerly anticipate these two matches against formidable opponents, where we will gauge the effectiveness of our hard work. Croatia and Slovenia are comparable in quality to the teams we’ll face in our group, so winning these matches is definitely a goal. We just have to see how feasible that is. Our priority is for everyone to stay healthy, and I’m confident we will showcase our true potential at the European Championship,” emphasized the 30-year-old Baranin.

Before their appearance in Germany, Montenegro received a significant boost with Vuko Borozan’s return to the national team after a six-and-a-half-year absence.

“With Zoran Roganović joining us, the morale within the national team has reached impressive heights, and we’ve maintained that for several years. Vuko’s return is a great asset; he’s giving his all, and I trust he can contribute greatly. Each player is competing for a spot, which I believe lends us strength, especially as some younger players have matured and are ready to challenge us seniors,” Simić stated.

Two years ago, the “lions” finished in 11th place, and they are now aiming to progress to the main stage.

“Advancing past the group would be a remarkable achievement, but we’ll see how realistic that is. I believe the first match against Hungary will be crucial. Iceland is the clear favorite, while Hungary, Serbia, and we have fairly equal chances. How we start the championship is critical; winning would send a strong message that we can advance. A poor start will make our journey much tougher. I’ll place all bets on January 12,” concluded Simić.

News