Montenegro - Romania in the clinch again, two years after the thriller in Skopje. "Lice" then on the wings knocked down three victories from "Morača". Kristin Neag and the club in the "Boris Trajkovski" hall (35:34) and won the semi-finals of the European Championship.
On the first day of December this year, the stakes are not so high, but a new triumph against the Romanian women would practically mean a place in the main round of the EHF Euro 2024.
After a dominant victory over Serbia (24:18), Montenegro will play the second match in Debrecen from 18:XNUMX.
- Romania is now the most important match - she said Marta Batinović from the north-east of Hungary.
Neagu and Pintea are no longer a threat, but...
During the aforementioned match in Skopje, the colors of Romania were still defended by the legends of handball in that country, Neagu i Krina Pintea - this time they won't be in the "Feniks Arena", but some new girls showed how dangerous they can be against the Czech Republic at the premiere.
- They changed the team, now they don't have Neaga and Pintea, but they came young people who are eager to prove themselves and in the 1st round they showed character when they came back from minus six against the Czech Republic. It won't be an easy match, but I don't doubt for a single moment that we won't show good energy and win that game - emphasized our goalkeeper.
As against Serbia, there should not be any surprises against Romania, considering that several Montenegrin handball players are participating in the championship of that country - among them are our two goalkeepers Marta Batinović and Marina Rajcic, which defend the colors of Magur Ćisnadija.
- We know each other very well, many girls play in their league. However, I definitely think that we will win, because I think that no one has a character like ours - says Marta.
They will try to stop Gina
At the start of the EHF Euro, Montenegro was led to victory by a solid defense and phenomenal Đurđina Jauković - it is not difficult to expect that a similar game could bring down Romania as well.
- The defense must be like in the duel with Serbia, we need to fix some things in the attack and I am sure that another victory will come - it is clear Diana Mugoš, the left wing of our national team.
Đurđina Jauković marked the opening of the European Championship with 11 goals.
- Their selector (Florentine Pera) we know from the Romanian league... She analyzes the opponents well and will try to flag Gina, but it opens space for the rest of us, I believe we will use it - added another "lioness" who plays in Romania, where she defends the colors of Gloria.
The two best selections from each group will end up in the main round, so it is clear how important a win against Romania would be...
- Although the game is important, there is no pressure. We watch from game to game, that's how we prepare from the beginning of the championship - stressed Dijana.
The defense solves everything again
Defense that is Suzana Lazović set against Serbia showed how difficult it is to play against Montenegro - after all, during the first 20 minutes, the rival only hit the "lionesses" net twice.
- It worked really great, so even now we need to focus on defense, and when it's like that, I think our ranges are high. If we respect what is asked of us defensively, I am sure that there will be no problem against Romania - she said Andrijana Tatar, a debutante at major competitions.
And the pivot woman from Cetinje plays in Romania, wears the shirt of Baja Mare and knows today's rival very well...
- They rejuvenated the team a lot, but they are eager to prove themselves, they don't give up easily... It will be difficult, but I repeat, if the defense is at the same level as with Serbia, there will certainly be no problems", concluded Andrijana.
Milena may help in the main round
Milena Raičević's injury cast a shadow over the victory against Serbia, but as announced by the Handball Association of Montenegro, it is not of a serious nature. However, she requires a two-week break, so the captain will miss the matches against Romania and the Czech Republic, while the Federation emphasizes that the medical team is making efforts to recover her as soon as possible.
- The medical team of our national team is already making efforts with the aim of getting Milena Raičević to recover as soon as possible, and so that, in case of placement in the main round, she could help the "lionesses" in the next four duels that await us in Debrecen - concludes from RSCG .
Pera: We will fight for 60 minutes for our chance
Rejuvenated Romania impressed at the start of the EHF Euro with a victory over the Czech Republic (29:28), even though it was in a big deficit during the match. However, in that national team they know that it will be much more difficult against Montenegro.
- Montenegro has players with great experience, many of them play in the Champions League. On the other hand, we are younger, but it would be similar against the Czech Republic. It is important to keep the team spirit, energy and to fight together for all 60 minutes for our chance - said Florentin Pera, coach of Romania.
EHF Euro, group B
Today
Montenegro - Romania (18)
Serbia - Czech Republic (20.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Tuesday
Serbia - Romania (18 p.m.)
Czech Republic - Montenegro (20.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Bonus video:
