The Montenegrin women's handball team outclassed Bulgaria today in "Morača" (35:17) and finished the qualification for the European Championship with all six victories.
The Lionesses routinely did their job, conceding only six goals in the second half, and the coach, Bojana Popović, used this match to play a combined line-up. Tatjana Brnović, Dijana Mugoša and Marina Rajčić were not in the team, while Matea Pletikosić, Itana Grbić and Ilda Kepić did not enter the game.
"The cycle has ended, these games are always dangerous. I was afraid of the approach, I pointed to it being the way it was during the entire match. The girls, especially the younger ones, did it phenomenally. I like to see their energy, that they rise to higher level. Games like this also lead to us seeing a new player, to see new situations, for the next actions and years. The cycle ended as it should. Everyone stayed healthy and that's the most important thing," said Popović after the game.
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The most important thing will follow next week - the qualifications for the Olympic Games. On Thursday, in Ulm, Montenegro plays against Paraguay, rivals in the group are Slovenia and Germany.
"These tournaments are a big stake. All teams come with the same goal, everyone dreams of the Olympic Games. The atmosphere, adrenaline and tension must be brought to a normal level, so that we can play those games. We should not create more tension, we will try to we are in control. Until we leave, let's see what and how, let's all stay healthy. Training is important, we're working hard, I expect that we'll go to Germany with the squad we're in at the moment. We'll prepare game by game, starting with Pravagaj. Let's feel the hall through that game , city...", said the coach.
Younger handball players took advantage of their chance today.
"We stayed healthy, we got every chance and took advantage of it. We fought from the first minute to the last - Bulgaria was a tough opponent, with a long attack. We did a great job in defense. This was the last preparation before what awaits us." , said goalkeeper Anastasija Babović-Vujović.
Ulm is on his mind.
"All three games will be difficult. We still have a few days, I think we can play with all the teams. Slovenia and Germany are quality rivals, but with a good approach, great desire, concentration and character, we can play against everyone," Babović said. - Vujovic.
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