Preparations are complete, the Montenegrin handball team has arrived in Oslo, is slowly adapting to the conditions in Norway, and tonight (18) they are expected to play their first match at the European Championship against Slovenia.
The first and most difficult in Group D, which also includes Switzerland and the Faroe Islands.
The "Lions" are participating in the continental competition for the eighth time in history, and the seventh in a row. After their historic debut in 2008, in Norway, Montenegro has been an indispensable part of the European elite since 2014. And how much the "Lions" can contribute to that elite will be known in the coming days.
Slovenia is a European handball power - or at least, close to the strongest teams - having finished fourth at the Paris Olympics last year. Although weakened, it will be a tough test for Didier Dinar's men, who will look for chances to advance to the next stage in duels with France on Sunday and Switzerland on January 20.
- All the teams that are here know why they came. The players are ready to play this match. We need to apply everything we have done so far - said Dinar.
The Frenchman leaves the role of favorite to the "dragons", but says that the "lions" know what they need to do in this duel.
- The Slovenians are the favorites, considering that they are more experienced than us, they have come far in certain championships. But we also know what we need to do. We will give our maximum - Dinar is clear.
One of Montenegro's assets will be right back Branko Vujović.
- Everyone is ready, we can't wait for the European Championship to start. The first game is against Slovenia - they are a serious team. Anyone who follows handball knows what kind of team they are. They have problems with injuries, but they have a large player base, so they won't even feel it. We'll see what awaits us - said Vujović.
Vujović explains how to play against Slovenians.
- They play fast, they have a lot of fast players in all positions. I think it will be very important to get back on defense, to run back. We have to play patiently and smartly in attack. We can expect some deeper defense. But I think we are ready and that we will respond well to that - emphasized the 27-year-old from Nikšić.
Montenegro is taking it step by step. The focus is on the first game, then the French, then the Swiss.
- It's not a decisive match. We have three games, with two wins we advance to the next phase. Whatever we do, we have to concentrate on the remaining two games. I think we can win, but even if we lose, I think we have a great chance of getting through the group. We'll see after the first round what awaits us from the Faroe Islands and Switzerland - concluded Vujović.
The teams from Group D will meet in the main phase with the teams from Groups E and F and form a new group from which two teams will advance to the semi-finals.
Group E includes Sweden, Croatia, the Netherlands and Georgia, and Group F includes Hungary, Iceland, Poland and Italy.
Bonus video:
