The Montenegrin women’s handball team decisively defeated Bulgaria today at “Morača” (35:17), completing their qualification for the European Championship with a perfect record of six wins.

The Lionesses executed their strategy flawlessly, allowing only six goals in the second half. Coach Bojana Popović utilized this match to experiment with a mixed lineup. Notably, Tatjana Brnović, Dijana Mugoša, and Marina Rajčić were absent, and Matea Pletikosić, Itana Grbić, and Ilda Kepić did not play.

“The cycle has concluded and these games can be tricky. I had concerns about our approach; I emphasized the need to maintain focus throughout. The girls, particularly the younger players, performed exceptionally well. I love witnessing their energy and growth. Matches like this also provide opportunities to evaluate new players and prepare for future competitions. The cycle ended on a positive note, and thankfully, everyone remained healthy, which is paramount,” Popović remarked after the match.

Next week brings a significant challenge—the qualifications for the Olympic Games. On Thursday, in Ulm, Montenegro will face Paraguay, with Slovenia and Germany as their group rivals.

“These tournaments hold great importance. All teams come with aspirations of reaching the Olympic Games. We need to manage the atmosphere, adrenaline, and tension effectively to perform at our best. It’s crucial not to increase pressure on ourselves; we will aim to stay composed. As we prepare for the trip, we will focus on one match at a time, starting with Pravagaj. It’s important to get a feel for the hall and the city,” the coach said.

Young handball players seized their opportunities in this match.

“We maintained our health, capitalizing on every chance we received. We battled hard from start to finish—Bulgaria posed a strong challenge with long attacks. Our defensive work was commendable. This match served as our final preparation before what lies ahead,” goalkeeper Anastasija Babović-Vujović commented.

Ulm is looming large in their thoughts.

“Every game will be demanding. We have a few days left, and I believe we can contend with all the teams. Slovenia and Germany are formidable opponents, but with the right mindset, strong determination, focus, and character, we can compete effectively,” Babović-Vujović concluded.

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