The Lionesses Dominated Turkey, But Must Step Up for Paris
Outstanding performance in Rize: Dijana Mugoša during the match against Turkey. Photo: EHF
The “lionesses” learned everything they needed to avoid in Ulm during their match in Rize. The Montenegrin handball team secured first place in the qualifiers for Euro 2024 with a 30:28 victory over Turkey, but the quality of their game raises concerns as they head into crucial competitions.
In eight days, Bojana Popović’s team will commence their Olympic qualification tournament in Ulm, facing tougher opponents in Germany and Slovenia. They’ll need significant improvements to secure one of two spots for Paris.
Among the positives in Rize was Dijana Mugoša, who netted nine goals and kept Montenegro afloat during a challenging first 45 minutes. Additionally, Nikolina Vukčević’s return strengthened the “lionesses'” defense towards the end.
From the onset, Bojana Popović’s team displayed nerves in the smaller, yet lively, hall in Rize. Following Bejza’s goal, Irem Turkoglu-Šengun quickly pushed Turkey to a three-goal lead at 7:4 just nine minutes in.
Montenegro is undeniably talented, and thanks to the composure of Dijana Mugoša—who scored six goals in the first half—they managed to rally. However, their first half was marked by a lack of cohesion, leading Turkey to take a 15:14 lead at halftime.
The second half saw little improvement for Montenegro, allowing Kostika Buceski’s team to regain a three-goal advantage (17:14).
Similar to the first half, Montenegro clawed their way back, trading goals until the 45th minute. Following a goal by Jelena Despotović, an exceptional save by Armel Atingre on a penalty shot, and a score from Marina Rajčić, Ivona Pavićević pushed Montenegro ahead by two (22:20).
With Matea Pletikosić finally finding her rhythm, Montenegro extended their lead to five goals (28:23), effectively securing their victory in Turkey.
The Euro qualifiers will conclude for the “lionesses” on Sunday at 18:00 in Podgorica against Bulgaria, after which they will begin the visa process for the Olympic Games.
TURKEY – MONTENEGRO 28:30 (15:14)
RIZE – Sports hall “Rize”. Spectators: 1,200. Judges: S. Jovčev and Z. Jovčev (Bulgaria). Penalties: Turkey 5 (3), Montenegro 8 (7). Suspensions: Turkey 4 minutes, Montenegro 6 minutes.
Turkey: Goker (six saves), Erbektas (save and seven), Akalin 2, Iskit-Calişkan 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.
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