When the history of Montenegrin handball was being written, Norway stood on the other side - it was like that in London when the first Olympic medal arrived for our country, as well as in Belgrade when the "lionesses" ruled Europe.
The most dominant women's handball team is once again on the other side, and if the Montenegrin players can pull off a miracle and defeat their great rival, they will turn another page in history.
It's time for the quarterfinals of the World Cup, it's time for the toughest opponent, but also the easiest match for the "lionesses", the one in which they have nothing to lose - our national team will fight for the semifinals against Norway from 20:30 in Dortmund. A place among the top four on the planet would be Montenegro's greatest success at the world championships.
- Our advantage is that we are not burdened with the pressure of results, but rather we are going to provide the best handball we know - she said. Tatjana Brnović, one of the captains in our selection.
Unprecedented dominance
The real Montenegro was seen against Serbia in the decisive match for qualification to the knockout stage, the other matches could have been better, so the impression is that the team Suzana Lazović has not yet shown its best handball. Perhaps the "lionesses" have saved it for the best in the world.
- Since I've been playing handball, I don't remember such dominance by a team. At this championship, they beat every opponent by 10 or more goals. They are definitely the main favorites to win and the best team in the world - she reminded Itana Grbić What kind of team awaits her and her friends in the quarterfinals.
They showed Heni Rajstad, Nora Merk, Katrin Lunde and the other brilliant players from the team Olea Gjekstada that they are another galaxy in this tournament, but also in previous years, so since 2020 they have been European champions three times, world champions once and Olympic champions once.
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Norway has won 10 gold medals at major competitions - 10 at European Championships, four at World Championships and three at the Olympic Games. The team is currently the Olympic and European champion, as well as the world vice-champion.
Currently, the gold medals from the EHF Euro and the Olympic Games are in their hands, as well as the world silver, so it is clear that this December they want to unite everyone and put an end to their unprecedented dominance.
- It is very challenging to play against such a team and I am happy that we have the opportunity to measure ourselves against Norway, as well as to see where we are, what is special about them, as well as to learn from the best - added Itana.
The goal has been achieved, but it doesn't mean it's the end.
By placing among the top eight, the Montenegrin women's handball team showed that they are still at the top of world handball, the goal has been achieved, but the World Cup is not over.
- The main goal has been achieved, but that doesn't mean we should give up against Norway in advance. I really want us to go out with the attitude that we can handle them and see where that maximum will take us - our center back is clear.
DON'T MISS IT
The success in Germany gains in significance, especially when you know that a rejuvenated team played in Trier and Dortmund, even without several important players from last year's EHF Euro, such as Milena Raičević, Marine Rajcic i Marta Batinović.
- We are really proud of each other for reaching the quarter-finals, primarily because we are aware of the kind of team we have and that it is mostly young players, not many experienced ones - she emphasized Katarina Dzaferovic.
The Montenegrin right-back is one of those who is slowly gaining experience.
- We have the most demanding match of the tournament ahead of us, but as one of the younger players, I would say it is an honor to play against Norway. We have nothing to lose, we want to enjoy ourselves, give our best, and then we will see the final result - added Katarina.
Tatjana Brnović had a similar message:
- Yes, I think this game should be enjoyable for us. It's a chance to give more, to maybe surprise.
The "Lionesses" say goodbye to Dortmund and Germany tonight - a memorable victory leads to the final in Rotterdam and opens the door to history, a defeat means returning home, but it does not spoil the overall impression after placing among the top eight in the world.
Bonus video:
