If they were already unlucky to win a point against Hungary and Iceland, even though they had attacks for a draw in both games, the Montenegrin handball players got at least one result in Group C of the European Championship.
Namely, Hungary defeated Serbia 28:27, won placement in the main stage, but also enabled the "lions" to fight with the "eagles" on Tuesday for the 3rd place in the group.
If they were to win, Vlad Šola's team would be in the 1st hat in the play-off for the World Championship and have a much easier rival in the fight to go to the championship organized by Norway, Denmark and Croatia.
In case of a draw or defeat, Montenegro would be among the disadvantaged teams and it would be difficult for it to get a third participation in the world championships.
However, the Serbs also have a calculation - they need a win, followed by Hungary's triumph over Iceland, in order to reach the main stage.
In tonight's duel, Bence Banhidi scored nine goals, while Vukašin Vorkapić and Nemanja Ilić were the best in Toni Đeron's team with five each.
It wasn't exciting as the final score would suggest, because Ceme Rodriguez's men broke the duel in the middle of the 2nd half, and in the 52nd minute they led 25:20.
The good thing for the Serbs is that they came close to the minimum difference, which could be significant for them if they beat Montenegro, and Iceland loses to Hungary...
In group A, Switzerland surprised France and took a point (26:26), while Germany was convincing against North Macedonia - 34:25.
In group B, Croatia played a draw with Austria (28:28), and Spain was on plus 12 in the match with Romania - 36:24.
This mishap should not cost the Croats much, because in the event of the expected victory of Spain over Austria, they will transfer the maximum two points to the main stage...
Bonus video:
