From the special reporter "Vijesti"
Montenegrin youth players paid an expensive lesson on the biggest stage, in the second match of the European U19 Championship.
After an unfortunate and hard-fought defeat to Romania at the start (2:1 in the 91st minute), Denmark cruised past Montenegro in fifth gear (5:0).
"It was a tough and demanding match, especially physically and tactically. We were exhausted in the duel with the Romanians, and Denmark further increased the intensity. They were more prepared, took advantage of their chances and deservedly won," said Marko Perović, who missed the first match of the championship due to suspension.
Despite the defeat, Perović does not question the team's fighting spirit.
"Everyone gave their all. Maybe someone wasn't at their level, but I don't doubt the dedication of any player. They gave their maximum at that moment," said the Spanish Almeria forward.
Aware of the difference on the ground, Perović also points to a detail that could have had an impact on the complete picture.
"Their season is still going on, while ours ended recently. Maybe we were tired, but that can't be an excuse - when you play for the national team, you have to give it your all."
Montenegro now faces an even bigger challenge - the final match against powerful Spain, which has already secured a place in the semifinals with victories over Denmark 1:0 and Romania 3:1.
"We will try to scout them as best we can, rest them and prepare them as best we can," said Perović, who has been in the Spanish system since last season as a player for Almeria.
"The conditions in which they train are better, the game is faster, tactically and physically more demanding - but I hope we will offer strong resistance," said Perović.
After a convincing defeat, it is forgotten that Montenegro suffered such a defeat in the finals of a major European Championship, that this generation is the first to qualify for a major competition, and that it is also weakened by the non-performance of the two best, Adžić (Juventus) and Bulatović (Lens), as well as Zeković (Feyenoord)...
"We were not lucky enough to be complete, but that is part of the sport. All this shows us that we have to work even harder and harder if we want to be at a higher level," concluded Marko Perović.
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