Two years ago, Montenegro lived for a few weeks for handball. But not for the women's, as usual, but for the men's, because the "lions" in Debrecen and Budapest pushed the limits and with three victories reached the best ranking in the European championships - 11th place.
Then North Macedonia, Slovenia and Croatia fell in order, at one point it even seemed that the semi-finals were within reach, but the tired team "vented". The selection that he took over in the meantime Vlado Shola and now he wants to reach the main stage, and for two places in Cologne he will fight with Hungary, Iceland and Serbia in Munich's "Olimpijahale".
- We watched them, and they watched us. But those were preparatory games, there was a lot of testing, tuning... Something is hidden in the preparatory games, it doesn't want to give itself away, but it can't hide more than 10 percent - stressed Šola before tomorrow's match with Hungary ( 20.30:XNUMX p.m.).
A team led by a Spaniard Cema Rodrigues he's not world class, but he's a favorite. The "Lions" hope that they can take revenge for the defeat in the only duel, also at the opening of the EP in Gdańsk (32:27).
- The Hungarians play a shallow 6:0 zone, which should suit us. But maybe they will decide against us for something else. The most symptomatic is their game through the pivot, with a lot of crossing. We will try to impose our style of play, we will see whose will prevail.
The Croatian expert does not want to burden the team with the story of placing in the main stage, he has only the duel with the Hungarians on his mind. He learned that when he was the goalkeeper of the golden generation of the "Fire", but also later as a member of the coaching staff Slavka Goluže i Lina Cervara.
- Thinking ahead is always a trap and puts players in a very difficult position, it can lead to frustration. I want to protect the players from the traumas that happen in the matches, to be as free as possible and play the best quality against the Hungarians. I have worked in major competitions and have experience with what should be given to the players. The most important thing is to relieve them of any pressure, because he is the most common brakeman in what a national team can do - emphasized Šola.
The selector of Montenegro convinced Vuka Borozan to return to the national team after six and a half years, it seems to be a complete hit.
- We won a lot with Borozan, because we had a lot of problems with the "three" and "four" in defense. Now we have two adequate pairs, who can complement each other well, this gives stability to the defense and the goalkeepers, because it is much easier to defend when they have tall men in the middle. He also plays very experienced offensively, although he is not the Borozan of six or three or four years ago. Physically, he is not at that level and he cannot get into an ideal condition in a month - stressed Šola, noting that his crossings are great and that he opens up a lot of space for his teammates.
Mirko Radovic missed the "Croatia Cup" in Poreč due to a calf injury, but should take a place near the right sideline.
- Hungary has a wide squad, top players. He has the role of a slight favorite, but that shouldn't mean anything on the field. The most important thing is that we stay on the ground after the first match. Whatever happens - victory, draw or defeat, it is important to reset as soon as possible and turn to the next game - said the 33-year-old from Cetinje.
If they repeat the success from the last European Championship, the "lions" would have a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games.
- It will be difficult to repeat the result from Hungary, but we thought so even then, so we went out on the field and did something magical. Let the selector talk about the goals, and we will do our best to fulfill his tactical ideas - concluded the captain of Montenegro.
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