The first phase of the European Under-19 Championship has ended, with Montenegrin footballers returning home, as have Norwegians, Danes and English players. The top four teams remain to seek glory through the semi-final matches: hosts Romania, Spain, the Netherlands and Germany.
For Montenegrin football players, mostly players from the domestic scene, who are or are not standard players in the Montenegrin first and second league teams, this was an invaluable experience, despite the heavy defeats against Spain and Denmark.
For many of them, a crucial phase of their careers is coming up - goodbye to youth competition, qualifying for the European Championship, among the top eight in Europe, they have shown both talent and mental readiness, now they need to be given a chance. They are no longer young men from the perspective of the domestic scene - they are 19 years old, they have to play in clubs.
One of them is Iskra striker Filip Perović. He spent the entire season fighting to keep the Danilovgrad club from reaching the danger zone, and then at the European Championship he fought, "beating" with defenders who had already had a chance in La Liga, the Danish championship...
Perović came off the bench in the first match against Romania, almost scoring - his scissor kick went wide of the post. He was a starter against Denmark and Spain, which shows that he lived up to expectations - he was perhaps the most pleasant surprise in the Montenegrin team.
Two days after the third round match against Spain, he is still collecting his impressions:
- Honestly, it is difficult to describe all the emotions in a few sentences. Being part of the first generation that took to the field under the flag of their country at the European Championship is a huge pride. We know that we have made history - not only for us, but for all generations to come. We have set them a difficult task to repeat it - Filip Perović tells "Vijesti".
Being among the eight, actually among the seven best in Europe in the qualifiers (host Romania had secured a place) is something that is easily forgotten after a defeat in the final.
- Especially when we see that there were no national teams like Portugal, Italy, France, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland, Turkey, Serbia... at that competition - Perović lists.
It is also forgotten that Nenad Vukčević's team came into the final extremely weakened: for a country with such a small pool of football players, the absence of players such as Vasilije Adžić (Juventus), Andrija Bulatović (Lens) and Aleks Zeković (Feyenoord) is an irreparable handicap.
- We felt the absence of all the players who were not with us at this championship, and we have to admit that our game was based a lot on them. I'm sorry that we didn't play with a full squad, because only then would we have seen what our ultimate achievements would be - says Filip Perović.
He and his teammates set their sights on top European players and national teams at this age group.
- Their pace of play, their sure-footedness, their tactical maturity and their composure in key moments - all come from the fact that they are constantly at their best. These competitions are still a new experience for us.
Three defeats, which admittedly came in different ways (from Romania in the 90th minute, from Denmark and Spain convincingly - three lessons.
- By qualifying for the European Championship, we showed that we know how to play, that we have the desire, fighting spirit and potential. It is now up to us to learn from these matches, to work even harder and, step by step, to reduce that gap.
And Perović showed in all three matches, especially the first against Romania, and in the second half of the last against Spain, that he can't wait any longer - that he has to be a first-team player in the Montenegrin first division, for starters. He has earned his chance and there is no more time to waste.
- I think I played quite well against the Romanians when I came on, which recommended me to be a starter in the following matches, in which I also believe I had a notable role and that I justified expectations.
Perović played for Iskra in the Second League last season, now it's time for the bigger stage. When, if not now, at the age of 19?
- I think the most important thing is to find a good club for me where I can progress in all segments of the game with quality work and good minutes.
His time at Iskra was useful to him, with whom he reached the Cup semi-finals as a second-league team.
- I would like to take this opportunity to thank coach Milan Radulović, who recognized my talent upon arriving at FK Iskra and largely based his game on me. Of course, a big thank you to Mirko Tamindžija, who has been a supporter whenever needed for many years and has played a big role in my football development so far.
Perović completed his cycle in the youth national team by appearing at the European Championship.
- It was unforgettable. My next big wish is to be part of the U21 team and with good performances deserve the attention of coach Goran Perišić - concludes Filip Perović.
His brother is a role model and additional motivation
Filip Perović has someone to learn from, not only on the field, but also at home.
His older brother Mihailo, a former cadet, youth and youth national team player, former Buducnost goal scorer, international in Hungary, Serbia and Ukraine, was the second best scorer in the Meridianbet First Montenegrin Football League last season as a striker for Jezera.
- Of course, I look up to him. He is my brother, but also a role model - he showed me how to work hard, train and behave on and off the field. I am glad that he is doing well, and this further motivates me to try and improve myself. We have a similar style of play, because we are both strikers, so we often analyze games together and he gives me advice, which means a lot to me - emphasizes Filip Perović
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