A miracle of miracles - these were the most common headlines in April 2019 when the Montenegrin handball players defeated Olympic and world champions Denmark in the “Morača” cave. In fact, it was just a continuation of the miracles that the “lions” performed in our largest hall, where other greats such as Germany and Sweden also fell.
However, since then, no major national team has left Podgorica with their heads bowed, and victories there have been celebrated by Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, and Hungary.
The "Lions" are now once again counting on the help of the full stands of "Morača" and, to start, a victory in front of their fans in the World Cup play-off - their rival is Slovenia again, starting at 18 p.m.
- It will take time for the pieces to fall into place, to restore the cult, that we are a team that beats all teams at home. I hope that will start with Slovenia, but we know that it will be difficult - he said Stefan Čavor, defender of Montenegro.
SLOVENIA GETS STRONGER, LIONS WEAKENED IN RELATION TO THE EURO
The two play-off matches (the second one is played on Sunday in Koper) come just four months after the anthological duel at the European Championship when 81 goals were scored in Berum (a suburb of Oslo), and Slovenia won 41:40. Unlike that duel, the "dragons" will be stronger for the experienced masters Mihu Zarabeca, Nejca Cehtea i Blaža Blagotinšek.
- This is not the same team we played against at the European Championship. We will have to prepare and play the first match as well as possible - added Čavor.
At the same time, the "Lions" will be weakened - especially in the full-back position that troubled the Slovenians at the EHF Euro, where they are missing Miloš Božović, Arsenije Dragasevic i Vuko Borozan.
- I think it will be harder now than at the European Championship. Our line-up at full-back is much shorter. It will be difficult, but I hope that with the help of the audience we will play our best.
THEY'RE COMING TO BEAT US, BUT...
Montenegro will be looking for a third World Cup berth through the play-offs (after 2013 and 2023), while Slovenia is looking for a 12th appearance. The “Lions” know that they face one of the toughest obstacles on their way to Germany, which will host the world's best handball players in January.
- We have two matches against a strong national team, I can say that they are one of the best teams in Europe today. I think it will be difficult - he emphasized Miloš Vujović, the left wing of the “lions”.
Team Uroš Zorman He will probably try to finish a lot of things in Podgorica.
- They are coming to beat us, but I am sure that we will not allow it to happen. We know them well, they are a serious team, they have very high ambitions when it comes to the World Cup, but I think we have a great chance. Only if we respect what we have agreed and if we are maximally concentrated and prepared - concluded Vujović.
ZORMAN ABOUT THE HELLISH ATMOSPHERE, OSLO, OUR BACKS...
Slovenia wants another World Cup and is already thinking about Los Angeles.
- At stake is not only a place in the World Cup, but also the first step towards the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 - the captain of the "dragons" is clear Blaž Janc.
Coach Uroš Zorman recalled the anthological match at the EHF Euro.
- I would not mind if the outcome of Oslo were repeated in Podgorica - says Zorman.
He expects a warm welcome in Podgorica, but also to stop the Montenegrin defenders.
- There will be a hellish atmosphere in Morača, and we definitely have a different game ahead of us. I hope we will be better in defense and more aggressive towards their defenders who gave us around 25 goals from nine meters in January, which is for the annals - Zorman pointed out.
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