The Montenegrin football team faced a disappointing performance at the City Stadium in Nikšić, securing only a draw against Armenia on June 9th. Despite the lack of an impressive display, the friendly match will be remembered for three notable highlights.

The first highlight is Vasilije Adžić’s debut goal, followed by Andrija Bulatović’s first goal, and lastly, Stevan Jovetić’s record-setting 87th appearance for the national team, making him the most-capped player in the national team’s history.

While these achievements are commendable, the overall outcome left much to be desired. Montenegro concluded their June campaign on a low note after losing to the Czech Republic in World Cup qualifiers (2:0) and failing to secure a win against Armenia, settling for a 2:2 draw. The team had a brief lead at 2:1 but could not hold onto it for long.

– I’ve been anticipating this moment for quite a while, and I believe I demonstrated my readiness. I’m not satisfied with the outcome since we deserved the win – Adžić expressed to RTCG.

Robert Prosinecki implemented some changes for this match, but the “falcons” fell behind just 27 seconds into the game when Eduard Spertsjan scored after Balša Popović mishandled a pass that was aimed for Bulatović. Though Andrija Vukčević managed to block an initial attempt, Spertsjan found the net moments later.

The reaction from Montenegro was swift, with Adžić equalizing within five minutes, heading in a cross from Marko Vukčević to make it 1:1, much to the delight of the modest crowd. This goal was vital for Adžić, whose debut had been highly anticipated, and for the team, but it did little to elevate their performance.

The match remained largely uneventful until the 52nd minute when Andrija Bulatović, a new midfielder from Lans, scored to give Montenegro a 2:1 lead after a well-coordinated play initiated by Adžić.

The Juventus player skillfully assisted Milutin Osmajić, who set up Bulatović to round the Armenian goalkeeper and score. At that moment, Montenegro had the advantage and the possibility of a positive outcome, showcasing the potential of the young debutants, raising questions about their absence in the previous match against the Czech Republic.

– Scoring for the national team on my debut at just 18 years old is an incredible feeling. We’ve shown good potential that we need to carry into future matches – highlighted Bulatović.

If Montenegro had managed to secure a 2:1 victory, the overall impression would have been more favorable, especially because of the performances from teenagers Vasilije and Andrija. However, the team could not close out the match, allowing Spertsjan to equalize with a free kick from about 25 meters, surprising Popović in goal. The situation nearly worsened, as Armenia had a chance to take the lead, but Narek Gregoryan’s shot went just wide of the post after an impressive dribble.

The national team’s next fixtures are scheduled for September, featuring matches against the Czech Republic at home and Croatia away.

MONTENEGRO – ARMENIA 2:2 (1:1)

Niksic – City Stadium. 1,398 attendees. Referee: Jasmin Šabotić (Luxembourg). Scorers: Adžić (5′), Bulatović (51′) for Montenegro; Spertsjan (1′, 81′) for Armenia. Yellow cards: M. Vukčević (Montenegro), E. Grigorjan, Agbaljan (Armenia).

Montenegro: Popović, M. Vukčević, Rubežić, Šipčić (75. Lončar), A. Vukčević (75. Radunović), Bulatović (78. Kuč), Bakić (63. Brnović), Adžić, Radulović (63. Vešović), Camaj, Osmajić (63. Jovetić).

Armenia: Beglarjan, Mkrthjan, Arutiunian, Harojan, Tiknizjan (60. E. Grigorjan), Avanesjan (67. N. Grigorjan), Agbaljan, Šaghojan (67. Adorjan), Serobjan (90+1. Miranjan), Sevikjan (60. Elojan).

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