The last match in 2025, the last in the World Cup qualifiers, but very important for the Montenegrin national team, even though it has long lost all chances of reaching a major competition.
The "Falcons" are closing out their campaign with a match that the most optimists believed could be very important in the fight for a place in the play-offs, but the reality is completely different, so Montenegro plays against Croatia (tonight at 8:45 PM) for pride and to show that they could be more competitive and much more dangerous in the coming year than they were in the previous period.
The Croats, on the other hand, came to our capital after the promotion, as they secured their place in the World Cup with a win over the Faroe Islands in Rijeka (3:1) on Friday, with one round remaining.
It's been a long time since a major national team came to Podgorica, and what can Montenegro do?
- What can we do? To go out on the field and give it our all. We are playing against a team that is at the top of European and world football and that is even more motivation to show our best. And to go for victory - the coach is optimistic Mirko Vučinić.
Croatia has everything that Montenegro lacks, and it also has a great man like him. Luka Modrić.
- Luka is a great champion, he has that brave side and a calm head that keeps him going. I said it before and I'll say it again - when you're at the top, it's easiest to fall. Modric has been at the top for a long time and should be a role model for everyone - Vučinić emphasized.
“WE HAVE RESPECT, NOT FEAR”
Our team defeated Gibraltar 2:1 and ended a series of disappointing results. It's probably easier now, the team that had lost confidence should progress.
- It's good that we won, but I've already written off that match against Gibraltar. We turn to Croatia, which won't be easy because of the immense quality they possess. We have great respect for our rival, but we're going without fear - says Vučinić.
For the first time in Mirko's era, Montenegro is not a favorite - it was against the Faroe Islands and they lost, but they justified such a role the hard way in the duels with Liechtenstein and Gibraltar.
- The opponent is different and the attitude is changing. We played as favourites in three matches, we also played as favourites in the Faroe Islands, even though we lost 4:0. The first half there was fantastic, but it is not easy to defend 50 metres from the goal. We conceded two goals from counterattacks, and in the second it looked very bad. Every match is different and against Croatia it is not realistic to expect us to ask ourselves and set the pace of the match. It will be difficult, but heroes are known through hardship - Vučinić is clear.
“I NEED 10 ĐALOVIĆ”
Montenegro needs discipline, like when Vučinić was a player.
- We did act strong then and everyone looked at me, thinking I was the one who brought the victories. For example, Radomir Đalović "He played with me in attack and did everything on the field - he moved our team 10 meters forward or back. Now we need 10 Đalovićs. Not only against Croatia but in general," Vučinić emphasized.
Our selection against the chosen ones Zlatko Dalić It probably won't be complete.
- Nikola Sipcic is questionable, closer to not playing than playing. Milan Vukotić He has a problem with his arm, there was a fear that it was broken - fortunately it wasn't. We'll also see what the situation is with Nikola Krstović, who has back pain. Stevan jovetić"He is ready, he wouldn't be here if he wasn't," said Vučinić.
THE RETURN OF MARUŠIĆ: CROATIA IS BEAUTIFULLY BLESSED BY UNITY
Adam Marusic returned to the national team after eight months and has the opportunity to compete with one of the best world selections.
- Croatians are characterized by togetherness, that's what makes them recognizable. In addition, they have 20 players who are standard players in excellent clubs. That's why they've been making fantastic results for years. With us, just mentioning the Croatian national team motivates every player even more. And that motivation should always be present, whoever the rival is. That's the only way we can achieve results in the future and every player has to believe - concluded the Lazio defender.
Vučinić did not talk about the lineup, but it is clear that he will play a variant with several changes compared to the previous match in Gibraltar. Montenegro could therefore play with the following lineup: Nikic - Vesovic, Tuci, Rubezic, Marusic - Bulatovic, Loncar, Jankovic, Jovetic - Krstovic, Osmajic.
The match under Gorica starts at 20:45, referee Umut Meller from Turkey.
"With the new coach, there is a completely different energy"
Adam Marušić has not been in the "brave falcons" team since March - he missed three games and welcomed a new coach as Mirko Vučinić succeeded Robert Prosinečki in October.
The experienced footballer points out that the legendary striker brought new energy.
- When I came to this gathering, I saw a completely different energy, things are different with the new coach. There are a lot of new, young guys compared to before, all of them can be leaders - said Marušić and added:
- We have many quality players who are standard in the clubs, and those who are not will certainly get a chance. That's why I'm thinking positively. We're doing well, the guys are listening to the coach's requests and we need to continue like that - Marušić emphasized.
Around 600 Croats and a red weather alert
Around 600 Croatian fans will come to Montenegro, and the southern stand has been reserved for them.
Surrounded by police, and under heavy security measures, the fans of the "Fierce" will have their own corner of the city, not far from the stadium, where they will spend time before the match. After the match, they will be directed to the border by buses, also under escort...
The extent to which the police are taking measures to ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible was evident last night during the arrival of the Croatian football players, and it will be similar with the fans.
A rainy day is expected in Podgorica, and the assessment of meteorologists who have declared a red weather alert is not negligible, with the possibility of severe weather - wind, rain and hail.
It remains to be seen whether these announcements, and to what extent, will affect the football spectacle that is being prepared tonight at 8:45 PM.
Bonus video:
