The summer football season is just beginning, but Montenegrin football will experience stellar moments during this period - on June 13th, one of our national teams will play a match in a major competition for the first time.
The 2006 generation will fulfill everything that the previous ones aspired to, what the senior selection strives for. They will compete at the European Championship for players under 19, and are among the eight best European national teams of that age...
The national team arrived in Bucharest and had their first training sessions before the group stage matches, against the hosts, then Denmark, and then against super favorites Spain.
The euphoria after the historic placement on the big stage has subsided, but a new feeling has emerged - the young men in red jerseys can't wait to compete with the best.
- There are positive vibes, we want to show ourselves in the best light. We achieved great success by qualifying for the European Championship, now it's up to us to show our worth on that stage - he says Miloš Vračar.
Spain has 9 European youth championship titles, the last rival in the group of the Montenegrin team, which is making its debut at the Euro, at any age.
Montenegro's placement among the top eight teams is a huge success. The sporting spirit should be so strong that there is no such thing as what was, but only what is to come...
- Success has been achieved, that's clear, now we move on. We will try to do something more. It will be difficult, we are not favorites in any game, but we are not here with a white flag. I am sure that the guys are focused and ambitious, and that they will give their maximum. I hope we will manage to make another surprise.
“Something more” in this case means semi-finals. Two selections from the group advance to the final matches.
- We believe that the semi-finals, if we are right, are a realistic option - points out Vračar.
- We don't see ourselves as outsiders. We're going for all the wins - he says Marko Tadic.
Optimism is therefore great, even though Montenegro will be without the best.
There is no one in the team. Vasilija Adžić from Juventus, as well as Andrije Bulatović, a new player for French club Lens. The two made their senior debuts with goals against Armenia, but were not included in the generation due to the clubs' decisions.
Juventus is counting on Adžić for the Club World Cup matches, Lens wants Bulatović from the start of preparations...
- We had a vision that we would be complete. We are going without those two, but the players who are in the national team have the quality to play well. Whether that will be enough for greater success, we will see, but we certainly will not disappoint - emphasizes coach Vukčević.
Aware that the absence of the two top stars is a big blow, the boys who will represent Montenegro in Romania are following up on the coach's words.
- I hope that even without them we will prove that we are a real team, that can go beyond the group stage - says the striker Andrej Kostic, one of the youngest on the team, who radiates confidence.
- Of course I'm imagining a goal at the European Championship. Not one, but three.
Kostić and Tadić have no dilemma as to which selection motivates them the most as attackers:
- Spain - they answer in unison.
It is clear that Spain is the biggest motive and the toughest rival.
Previous Spanish generations have won the title nine times at this age. This selection is also full of class, with five players from the Barça academy, with youngsters from Real, Atletico, Chelsea, Betis, if not without the first stars, such as Lamina Jamal, who could play at his age, but, of course, has long since outgrown matches with his peers...
- It sounds like it on paper, but the difference in quality is not that big. We will do our best to prove that we can compete against everyone - says Kostić.
- We are not afraid of anyone - Marko Tadić emphasizes.
Now only Romania is in focus
For coach Nenad Vukčević and his staff, the focus is currently only on the first match of the tournament. Romania, as the host, did not play in the qualifiers, but the strength of that team is not in question...
- This is a quality and solid team that plays for results. They have many virtues, but they also have, like all teams, shortcomings. They will be very motivated on home soil, and they will have the support of their fans. I expect a fight in which nuances and details will decide - Vukčević emphasized.
Montenegro will play their first match against Romania on June 13th at 20 pm. Three days later, at 17 pm, they will face Denmark, and on June 19th, they will face Spain.
Bonus video:
