A challenging year for Montenegrin water polo players kicks off on Thursday in Gruž, Dubrovnik, where the “sharks” will compete in three matches during the group stage of the European Championship.

The first opponent is France (tomorrow at 17:00), and this match is likely the most crucial in a group also featuring favorites Spain and Croatia.

At the European Championships, Montenegro aims to secure its first qualification for the World Championship, scheduled for early February in Doha, while also dreaming of an Olympic Games ticket…

“We’ve accomplished everything we set out to do during three weeks of preparation. We selected 15 players who we believe are the strongest at this moment, and I’m confident that we are ready to showcase Montenegro in the best light,” stated coach Vladimir Gojković.

This summer, Montenegro had a commendable performance at the World Championship in Fukuoka, where it defeated Croatia but was then eliminated by Greece in a close quarter-final match, finishing in eighth place.

“The key is that we are all fit, traveling with a full squad, and ready to give our best. We anticipate making progress compared to last summer. There were positive aspects then, but I believe it’s time for us to achieve even more, as this team has real quality,” said center Vladan Spaić.

The opening match of the tournament is always a precarious moment for the slight favorite; tomorrow, that’s Montenegro.

“The start of a tournament is always unique; we are gearing up for that match, and I believe we have a strong chance to win. That’s how we will approach it,” Gojković added.

Recently, Montenegro faced France at a preparatory tournament in Cagliari.

The Montenegrin squad won 17:11, but the French team did not field their strongest lineup.

“The French were missing five key players, as they chose to rest them. We are expecting a completely different match this time. We know what is ahead,” Gojković highlighted.

Spaić is familiar with many players on the French national team, given his time at Marseille.

“We are anticipating a close contest. The French team has made significant progress recently, breaking into the top eight, but I believe we are the favorites, and the outcome is in our hands,” Spaić concluded.

The European Championship serves as a qualifier for the World Championship, taking place next month in Doha, as well as for the Olympic Games.

“Every major competition comes with its own pressure. A bit of tension is necessary to perform well; I believe we will manage it correctly. We will soon see how everything unfolds. The boys have trained hard, and now it’s time to deliver in the pool,” Gojković summarized.

In the second round, Montenegro will face Spain on January 6 at 17:45, followed by a match against Croatia two days later at 20:15.

The top two teams from the group will secure direct qualification for the quarter-finals, while the third and fourth placed teams will enter a play-off for a place in the top eight.

News