The road to Germany leads through strong Slovenia, Dinar: We will give everything we have in full Morača

The week of decision has begun - Montenegrin handball players have begun preparations for two matches that will reveal whether the "lions" will travel to Germany in January 2027 and be part of another spectacle or will watch the big competition next to the TV screen.

Our national team will host Slovenia in the first playoff match on Thursday (18pm), while three days later (17pm) they will face a rematch in Koper - the winner will advance to the World Cup.

The favorite is Uroš Zorman's team, which is even stronger this time than it was in January when it defeated Didier Dinar's team 41:40. However, the "lions" have shown many times throughout history that the role of the favorite does not mean much against them.

Especially in the hell of "Morača".

"It is certain that we have to give everything we have in the first match in 'Morača', we know that a beautiful atmosphere will welcome us. That is how we will approach it, we will give our best and we will know more after that match," said Dinar.

However, there is no need to waste many words on Slovenia.

"We are facing a very high-quality rival, a semi-finalist of the Olympic Games, and it will certainly be an interesting match," added the Montenegrin coach.

Slovenia was far from the strongest team during the 81-goal atomic game played in January at the EHF Euro in Oslo.

"There was a shortage of players on both sides, especially on their side, but that's how it is in sports. As I said, we will give everything we have - in sports you never know anything in advance," Dinar emphasized.

The "Lions" will be weakened this time around - especially at the back position where Miloš Božović, Arsenije Dragašević and Vuko Borozan are missing.

"As always, on the first day, we will first see the team, what the status of the players is. It's always like that in the national team - we make do with what we have, we work and play with the players who are there," explained the legendary Frenchman.

On the other hand, Slovenia will be stronger for 34-year-old center back Miha Zarabec, then 33-year-old right back Nejc Cehte and a year younger defensive master Blaž Blagotinšek.

"If we compare this Slovenian team with the one from the European Championship, we will see that they invited all the best they have. This means that they took us very seriously, but also that they understand their job that way. They are certainly planning to win here," concluded Dinar.

The "Lions" will be fighting for their third World Cup appearance, after 2013 and 2023, while Slovenia will be fighting for their 11th appearance at the global championship. If Montenegro pulls off the feat, it will be their 11th appearance at a major competition since regaining independence.