Following three consecutive appearances at the European Championships, Montenegro’s volleyball team will not be competing in this year’s continental showdown. This was evident even before their match against Norway. Nonetheless, Ivica Jevtić’s squad demonstrated motivation, skill, and energy, securing a victory to conclude the qualifying phase with a score of 3:1, with set scores of 30:28, 25:17, 16:25, 25:18.

Jevtić underscored the match’s significance in Kolašin, emphasizing the importance of finishing this stage on a positive note. The aim was to foster a good atmosphere leading into the next qualifiers and to end the cycle with at least one win following three consecutive losses.

Although the match held greater competitive stakes for the Norwegians—who were in pursuit of the last qualifying spot for the European Championship—they ultimately fell short, finishing as the weakest of the seven second-placed teams.

Our team executed a stellar performance, effectively disrupting the Norwegian reception with their serves. The pivotal first set, which was closely contested, ended with Vukašin Cimbaljević clinching it for Montenegro at 30:28 with two powerful serves. This set buoyed the home team, allowing them to relax and ultimately handle the remainder of the match with ease.

In his first match for the national team in front of a home crowd, Vukašin Cimbaljević contributed 23 points. Scorer Đorđe Jovović also excelled with 20 points, while Nemanja Peruničić added 12 points to the scoreboard.

Blockers Nikola Đurović and Matija Ćinćur aided in the victory, scoring seven and six points, respectively. Norway’s standout player was Kavli, who tallied 17 points.

Only the Czech Republic emerged from our group, winning all their matches. The European Championship is set to take place from September 9 to 27, 2026, across Italy, Finland, Bulgaria, and Romania.

MONTENEGRO – NORWAY 3:1 (30:28, 25:17; 16:25, 25:18)

Kolasin – SC “Kolašin”. Spectators: 350. Officials: Bernard Valentar (Slovenia) and Dejan Rogić (Serbia).

Montenegro: Ćinćur 6, Peruničić 12, Cimbaljević 23, M. Joksimović, A. Joksimović (libero), V. Milenković, R. Milenković 3, Lečić, Lojić, Jovović 20, Rovčanin (libero), Đurović 7, Pavicevic 1, Stanojević. Coach: Ivica Jevtić.

Norway: S. Olsen, Espleland, Estvik 8, Loftesnes 7, Fasteland 8, Hetervik, Tele 3, Sunde 2, E. Olsen (libero), Kalstad 8, Bergum (libero), Kavli 17, Bjeland. Coach: Lukaš Marčinjak.

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