A defeat in the first match in front of their own fans generally doesn't leave much hope, but after a minus one in "Morača" against Slovenia, the Montenegrin handball players have the right to believe that they can achieve a miracle in Koper and get a ticket to the World Championship.
It's time for the rematch of the play-offs - the "lions" play against the hosts in the Slovenian port and are chasing a triumph greater than the 29:28 that the "dragons" celebrated in Podgorica. The winner of the two-legged tie will secure a place in the World Cup in Germany.
- We have another match ahead of us with an excellent national team, great players and a coach. However, the result from Morača gives us the right to hope and dream - he said Miodrag Ćorsović, who played his best game in the red jersey in the first match.
Alongside him, the defense of Montenegro was also held by the young Milorad Bakić.
- Of course we believe in victory, we have to because without faith we can't do anything. We are motivated and ready for the clash - said the "Lions" defender.
WAKENING UP IN THE SEA INSPIRES CONFIDENCE
The match in our capital threatened to end like the last two in the European Championship during the first half when the team Didier Dinar completely sunk against the Faroe Islands and Switzerland. However, the real reaction came and the old passion and desire for victory were visible in the eyes of the "lions". From 16:9 they reached 19:18 and practically until the end were equal rivals with one of the strongest world selections.
- That reaction and play certainly give us confidence, especially the segments that we improved defensively and did certain things that we agreed upon. If it had ended with a convincing victory for Slovenia, we would have had nothing to hope for. However, we showed character, unity and fight, and the fans gave us an additional impulse to achieve a somewhat favorable result before the second match - emphasized Ćorsović.
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goals from eight shots were scored by Miodrag Ćorsović in the first match against Slovenia - it was his best performance in a jersey with the national emblem
Maybe it won't be as hellish in the "Arena Bonifika" as it was in "Morača" on Thursday, but great support for the home nation is certainly expected.
- Slovenians are generally a sporting nation, and so is the case with handball. I expect a full hall and a good atmosphere, but it certainly won't be like in Morača - believes the Montenegrin pivot.
ATTACK NEEDS TO BE EVEN BETTER, “LIONS” WITHOUT RADOVIC
Slovenia reached a plus seven advantage in the first match at a time when Montenegro completely stalled in attack and went goalless for about five and a half minutes.
- The attack could be better now. We had a few oscillations and mistakes in the offensive, but I hope that everything will be better in both directions now. It has to be. I hope for a victory for our national team - Bakić emphasized.
The "Lions" will be weakened in this match after he was seriously injured during the first match. Luka Radovic - our right winger suffered a fractured hand. He was substituted during that match Vojislav Vukić, and for the match in Koper he was also invited Vladan Loncar from the Budva Riviera.
Montenegro for the third World Cup in history, Slovenia for the 12th. The "Lions" last played in the World Cup in 2023 in Spain, while the last tournament that Slovenia skipped was held in 2019 in Denmark and Germany.
Zorman: We played one of the worst matches in Morača
Slovenia also believes it can do much better than the match in Podgorica.
- In Montenegro we played one of our worst games, and yet we achieved victory. That speaks to the certain breadth and quality we possess - he said Uroš Zorman, the “dragon” selector.
What kind of Slovenia does the former center back expect?
- More dynamic and specific in defense and attack, and above all, faster and with fewer mistakes. We made as many as 17 in the first match - added Zorman.
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