Montenegro and Hungary are in a clinching clash again after 14 months and a clash in Munich, with the feeling that much more has passed... The two teams that opened the European Championship qualifiers with two victories, first in the M:tel "Morača" hall (tonight, 18pm), and then in four days in Tatabanja, will decide who will travel to the EHF Euro in first place.
In the legendary "Olympijahalle", on January 12, 2024, Montenegro had a shot at a draw, failed (defeat 26:24), only to then survive a shipwreck against Italy in the World Cup play-off, and then rise again by coming Didier DinarOn the other hand, Hungary was also one shot away from the World Cup semi-finals a year later.
A lot has happened in a short time, now is the time for a new derby, with the fact that Dinaro's boys are attacking a world superpower.
- There is certainly something left in our memory from that match, we will try to use what we did well in the previous match and improve in some segments of the game - he said. Branko Vujović, one of the better right-backs in Europe, but also a guy who was unlucky then as his shot was saved Kristof Palasic.
No one is a favorite in front of our fans.
For many years, “Morača” was an impregnable fortress, even for handball giants like Denmark, Sweden, or Germany, but recently it has been “falling” too easily. Thus, victories from our largest hall have been claimed by Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Italy.
- We hope that "Morača" will be filled to capacity and that after so long we will celebrate in our largest hall. I would like the audience to support us in as many numbers as possible, and we to give them back with a fight on the field - emphasized the captain Mirko Radovic.
Victories over Finland and Slovakia at the start of the qualifiers certainly put the "lions" back on the right track.
- We did something we needed to do, more precisely, we regained the confidence we lost in the games against Italy. We finally got together again, won two perhaps the most important games, and now we play two against the Hungarians, who are a handball superpower. But we will try to beat them, especially at home. I don't think anyone is a favorite in front of our fans - Vujović continued.
An important start, but also to stay "alive"
There are many masters in Hungary, but the team's strongest weapon Mrs. Rodriguez is in a pivot position covered by two great players Bence Banhidi (questionable for tonight's match) and Miklos Rosta.
- There is a short period to prepare for two strong games against an excellent national team, so I think it will be quite important how we open the game. In addition, how we deal with their guards, who are excellent in one-on-one play, and they also have top-notch pivots. There will be a lot of outsmarting on the field, and I hope that above all we will show great fight and dedication for our national team - emphasized Radović.
It will be an important start, but also...
- I hope that we will be "alive" until the end of the game and therefore, if we enter an uncertain final, we may have an advantage in front of our fans. I say that we are waiting for an excellent team, there will be outsmarting of the coach, and there will be a lion's fight. May the better team win, and we will give our best - believes Radović.
The ticket for the EHF Euro in Denmark, Norway and Sweden is practically already in your pocket, but going to Scandinavia would certainly be nicer with at least one victory against a big opponent.
We knew what Denmark was...
Admission to tonight's derby is free, so it is expected that the "hell" Morača will lead Montenegro to a big victory, although it is known what kind of rival is standing on the other side.
- We knew what Denmark was like, so we won. I think we need a win at home, to restore faith in our fans. We will fight, we are playing against an extraordinary team, but we also have something to show - Branko Vujović is clear.
Bonus video:
