In order to stay in the race for the top spot in the group and continue their positive streak, which began on home soil against lower-ranked teams, Montenegro must do something in Plzen on Friday that they haven't done in the previous five attempts.
To score a goal, or at least keep a clean sheet against the Czech Republic - to remain undefeated for the first time.
Are the Czechs really such a threat to our national team?
Can it, at least according to number theory, turn to our side?
In Plzen, clearly, on Friday neither numbers, nor theories, nor statistics will decide - but readiness, desire, motive, and of course the players' trump cards, to enter into a serious "fight" with the favorite.
Robert Prosinečki's team travels to the Czech Republic with a clear ambition to finish their first difficult away game unscathed - and be as active as possible in the fall, when everything will be decided.
"They are a good team, but we have our strengths too," says Igor Vujačić, Rubin Kazan defender.
Montenegro beat Gibraltar and the Faroe Islands at home, and the Czech Republic beat them - from the same starting position, the two teams are facing a duel that could significantly affect things in the group in qualifying Group L.
Croatia, the top favorite, is just starting the qualifiers - they will play Gibraltar on Friday.
"We believe in a favorable result. We will not engage in calculations, it is too early for that, every game is important - every game is important when you only have eight, but it is not crucial, because there is still a lot to play for after Plzen. We are going match by match," says Vujačić.
Montenegro will face a physical battle in Plzen. The defense will be particularly tested.
"We watched their match against the Faroe Islands in March, but not in detail. Their games are physically demanding, they base their game on long balls and breaks, and even throw-ins... We have to pay special attention there," adds Vujačić.
Montenegro only defeated Farane in Nikšić in the last seconds of stoppage time (1:0), the Czechs did it in an almost equally difficult way - with a goal five minutes before the end (2:1).
"We showed character in that match, that we are ready to play and believe until the end. That's why we were rewarded. It was difficult against the French, but the Czechs also struggled - there are no easy opponents. Now, clearly, we are facing a different match, a quality opponent, a difficult away game, and certainly a full stadium. That must be more of a motivation for us to give a quality game," emphasizes the guy who is expected to play his 40th match for the national team in Plzen.
The injured Adam Marušić is missing - a big handicap, but Stefan Savić is returning: he will be available after more than a year.
"Stefan is back, he is world class and it goes without saying how important his help is. We have to show that we are a real team, a real group and to play at our best."
Prosinecki called up young talents, teenagers - Vasilije Adžić (Juventus) and Andrija Bulatović (Lens) for the first time.
Announcing rejuvenation...
"They are certainly a prospect for the national team. It's up to them to work, to impose themselves on the coach, and just because they're there, they have quality. It's up to the coach to decide how much they'll help us in this match," concludes 30-year-old Vujačić.
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