The Montenegrin national handball team completely failed in the match against the Faroe Islands last night, after a convincing defeat (37:24) they were left without a place in the second round, and they have one more match left until the end of the group stage.
The "Lions" will play Switzerland tomorrow (18) in the final round of Group D, and that match has great significance for our national team in the fight for the next World Cup.
In case of victory over the Swiss, Montenegro would win third place in the group, thus earning a direct place in the play-off, which will be held in May. In case of defeat, Didier Dinar's team would have to play the pre-qualifications for the Handball World Cup with Finland, and those matches would be played in March.
"If we start from the fact that handball is a team sport, then we can say that the team failed. We have to discuss the reasons for that within the team. It was clear from the beginning that they had great support from the audience. We had a lot of pressure from the audience and the Faroese players, who imposed a rhythm across the entire court. We couldn't stand it, so we were defeated," said Stevan Vujović.
Next up is the duel with Switzerland, which lost a nine-goal lead against Slovenia and was ultimately defeated (38:35).
"We have one more game - the duel with Switzerland will be a match between two disappointed teams, because the Swiss were hoping to qualify, just like us. Basically, the one who recovers better from the defeat will win. Switzerland is a strong team, with exceptional individuals," Vujović pointed out.
The Farani completely outplayed the "lions".
"We suffered a heavy and unexpected defeat. I congratulate the French, they played better, they outsmarted us in all areas. We definitely have to come back. That match is of great importance, because by winning that match we avoid pre-qualifications for the World Cup and a trip to Finland. The one who is more prepared in his mind, with more self-confidence will win. I am sure that it cannot get worse than the match with the French. Switzerland is the favorite, a team that has a larger rotation. We will come back, we will give our maximum and avoid pre-qualifications for the World Cup," said goalkeeper Haris Suljević.
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