Bojana Popović: I'm proud of the girls, they showed that they are better than those who pass by and scream

Although they were total outsiders, the Montenegrin handball players put up a phenomenal resistance against Denmark, but were defeated 26:26 in the quarter-finals of the 24th World Championship.

It seems undeserved, that the host had to pass and that he had the help of both the referee and the delegate. Article list

"I do not know what to say. I am so proud and happy that the girls fought like this, showed their heart and knowledge, that they are better than those who pass by and scream", said Popović as the Danish women went through the mixing zone.

"It was clear from what was shown that it was not possible for us to go to the semi-finals. I would not like to talk about some people, because we are always punished no matter what we say. They had one exclusion, scored goals only with a player more and from the penalty spot. Great fight, great defense, great Marina in goal, and in the attack, real chess and situations against Tanja that I won't talk about. I'm not sad, I'm proud of how they fought and brought this out. Kudos to them and that's it."

The players were sad, but the coach said they should be proud.

"I told them not to cry, this is a big victory for them. Each of them who was on the field today, from the youngest Ana Popović and Godeč and their phenomenal defense, Nina who did the job on the wing. There were mistakes, but that is an integral part of handball. Montenegro should not worry, these girls have gone through an experience that is priceless. Now we have that too, with all that has been going on, just to move forward with our heads held high. There is nothing to cry about".

Popović emphasized that the team grew and reached a high level, which is the biggest gain from this championship.

"We came to play game after game, to get better, to learn, to get to know each other, to grow as a team. And the team they created, which breathes as one, is something priceless. A game can be won on the wings of a certain player, but we grew and got to the point where we can stand up to great Denmark as a team. It is important that they all came out healthy from this game, that they are more experienced, and two more games will help us achieve what we want," said the coach.