Since making their grand debut in 2010, the end of each year has always been a time for Montenegro to rally behind women’s handball.

Our handball players have consistently participated in every European and World Championship since then. They aim to continue this tradition when the elite national teams gather in Germany and the Netherlands this November and December.

A new major competition is on the horizon, with the World Cup approaching as they face Portugal in the play-offs— the first match is set for tomorrow evening at 20:00 in Fafe.

“We must treat these two matches with utmost seriousness. From the opening whistle to the final minute, we need to play as if we’re facing France or any other top-tier team,” emphasized Marta Batinović, goalkeeper for the national squad.

Aside from attempts to qualify for the recent Olympic Games, the “lionesses” have faced no significant challenges in their qualifications or play-offs. However, they have learned from their male counterparts about the dangers of complacency.

“We saw how thrilled the men were after ousting Italy,” Marta recalled, reflecting on the men’s team’s surprising exit at the hands of underdogs just a year ago.

In Case of Adversity…

Suzana Lazović’s team is prepared for any eventuality.

“If things don’t go as planned, we need to close the gap and ensure we can defeat them at home to secure our spot in the World Cup,” Marta stated.

The Montenegrin goalkeeper and her teammates understand their position in women’s handball compared to Portugal.

“We are definitely the favorites, but it will be a challenge, especially since we’re a young team. Portugal is an unknown entity for us, and we must treat them with respect from the first minute to achieve the best possible outcome before Saturday’s game at home. Our goal is to win; there’s no room for other thoughts,” Batinović stressed.

Young Players Need to Prove Their Worth

To qualify for Germany and the Netherlands, our national team will have to proceed without several key players who have been symbols of the “lionesses.” This includes Milena Raičević, Marina Rajčić, Itana Grbić, and missing this time will be Nina Bulatović, Đurđina Malović, Tanja Ivanović, and Nikolina Vukčević.

New “lionesses” will need to step into significant roles.

“We must take our opponents seriously, as we are a very young team, and many players have retired. The younger girls will now need to prove their place on the national team,” concluded Marta Batinović.

The rematch is scheduled for Saturday in Podgorica, beginning at 18:00.

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