It’s the “lions’ time” – quite fitting in Munich, a city known for its lion emblem.

The Olympic hall in Bavaria’s capital is set. Tonight at 20:30, Montenegrin handball players will kick off their seventh European Championship campaign against Hungary.

Two years prior, our national team achieved unprecedented success in Hungary (finishing 11th). This time, they aim for a similar route to the “Lankses Arena” in Cologne and the main round of the Euro.

A challenging match awaits right from the start, but that’s the nature of group C.

– Having played in Hungary for two years and knowing most of their players, I can attest to their strong national team. I understand well how seriously they approach their game – remarked Vuko Borozan, who has returned to our national team.

One of our standout players, Miloš Vujović, has experience in Hungary as well.

– Hungary comes in as the slight favorite due to their significant investment in the national team and clubs, along with a host of skilled players – Vujović noted.

Montenegro’s Roster

Goalkeepers: Nebojsa Simić and Nikola Matović. Wings: Miloš Vujović, Aleksandar Bakić, Mirko Radović, and Luka Radović. Pivots: Vuk Lazović and Nemanja Grbović. Backs: Radojica Čepić, Božo Anđelić, Vasilije Kaluđerović, Miloš Božović, Arsenije Dragašević, Vuko Borozan, Branko Vujović, Stefan Čavor, and Risto Vujacić.

Despite the difficulties, the left back and left wing of Montenegro remain optimistic:

– It will undoubtedly be tough, but we have our strengths. We’ve put in the work for this crucial first match of the championship, as we believe it holds the most significance – Borozan stated. Vujović added:

– The European Championship is intense; every game lasts 60 minutes, and how someone performs isn’t just determined by budget or preparation—the match will reveal who desires the win more.

Hungarian coach Cema Rodrigues possesses several strategies, but what will Montenegro bring to the table?

– The key factors are our unity and the atmosphere within the team – Borozan asserted.

– I must highlight Nebojša Simić, a world-class goalkeeper who will also have our support in defense. There’s Vuk Lazović, a pivotal player who can enhance everyone’s performance, along with Simic’s excellence. With a well-coordinated attack, including Branko Vujović and Nemanja Grbović, we have numerous strengths to secure a victory.

Miloš Vujović detailed where the “lions” see their advantage.

– We’ve analyzed video footage and prepped well. I believe the match will be tough, but if we are even with them in the last ten minutes, our strong character will help us prevail – the left winger from Gumerzbach expressed.

Montenegro will also face Iceland and Serbia in Munich, with advancement to the next round reliant on the top two teams. However, the immediate focus remains on Hungary.

– It’s not wise to promise a victory, but I trust my teammates. We know the importance of this game and championship. Our goal is to enter with the right energy – Vujović emphasized.

Montenegro arrived in Germany with their strongest lineup, sparking hopes of replicating the 11th place finish from two years ago.

– Prior to the championship, conditions weren’t ideal—COVID sidelined several players—but what stood out was our unity; we functioned as one unit – Vujović recalled.

What about now?

– It’s tricky to predict, but I believe the return of Grbović has been a significant boost. With Borozan back, we’ll be stronger defensively. I hope we’ll prove our worth and show we belong here – Vujović concluded.

Lions at the European Championship

Friday

Hungary – Montenegro (20:30)

Sunday

Montenegro – Iceland (18:00)

Tuesday

Serbia – Montenegro (18:00)

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