The “lionesses” learned today in Rize what they need to avoid in their upcoming match in Ulm… The Montenegrin handball team triumphed over Turkey (30:28) in the penultimate round of the Euro 2024 qualification, securing the top position. However, the performance they displayed raises concerns as they head into a crucial year.

Bojana Popović’s squad kicks off the qualification tournament for the Olympic Games in Ulm in just eight days, facing Germany and Slovenia—significantly tougher opponents than today. They must significantly improve their performance to secure one of the two spots for Paris.

If there was a standout aspect in the coastal city of Rize, it was undoubtedly Dijana Mugoša, who netted nine goals and kept Montenegro competitive when the going got tough in the first 45 minutes. Additionally, the returning Nikolina Vukčević made a significant impact by bolstering the defense in the final moments.

From the outset of the match in the smaller, yet vibrant hall in Rize, Bojana Popović’s team exhibited signs of nervousness. Consequently, the home team, after Bejza’s goal from Irem Turkoglu-Šengun, quickly established a three-goal advantage (7:4) within the first nine minutes.

Despite their evident quality, Montenegro struggled initially. However, thanks to the composure of Dijana Mugoša, who scored six goals in the first half, they managed to stage a comeback. Nonetheless, it was clear that their play lacked fluidity in the first 30 minutes, leading Turkey to take a 15:14 lead into halftime.

Unfortunately for Montenegro, they did not improve in the second half, allowing Kostika Buceski’s side to regain a three-goal buffer (17:14).

Much like the first half, Montenegro fought back, with the score remaining tight until the 45th minute. That’s when Jelena Despotović scored to bring the score to 21:20, before Armel Atingre saved a penalty shot, and Marina Rajčić converted, allowing Ivona Pavićević to push Montenegro into the lead for the first time at 22:20.

Afterward, Matea Pletikosić stepped up, and Montenegro surged ahead by five goals (28:23), effectively sealing their victory in Turkey.

The euro qualification for the “lionesses” concludes this Sunday (18:00) in Podgorica against Bulgaria, after which they will begin the visa application process for the Olympic Games.

TURKEY – MONTENEGRO 28:30 (15:14)

RIZE – Sports hall “Rize”. Attendees: 1,200. Officials: S. Jovčev and Z. Jovčev (Bulgaria). Penalties: Turkey 5 (3), Montenegro 8 (7). Suspensions: Turkey 4, Montenegro 6 minutes.

Turkey: Goker (six saves), Erbektas (save and seven), Akalin 2, Iskit-Cališkan 4 (1), Tugel 4, Bozdogan, Akgun-Gektepe, Turkoglu-Şengul 6, Jilmaz 1, Sahin 2, Ajdemir 1, Kara 4, Demircelen 2 (1), Ozturk 1 (1), Cetin 1, Kučukjildiz.

Montenegro: Rajčić (10 saves), Atingre (save and two saves), Marsenić 2, Pletikosić 4 (2), Mugoša 9 (5), Marković, Popović, Ivanović, Brnović 1, Klikovac 4, Despotović 4, Kadović, Pavićević 3, Kepić, Grbić 3, Vukčević.

News