Montenegro’s national football team showcased commendable effort in a narrow defeat to Croatia, losing 2-3 in a recent friendly match. This performance has sparked optimism ahead of the upcoming UEFA Nations League in 2026, where Montenegro aims to secure first place in Group C, potentially paving the way to the European Championship in 2028.
The match against Croatia highlighted both Montenegro’s capabilities and ongoing challenges. After taking a 2-0 lead within the first 17 minutes, questions arose about the team’s consistency. Why have the “Sokoli” (Falcons) not performed at this level throughout the recent qualifiers and, more broadly, over the past two years? Their struggles have included a disappointing 0-4 defeat to the Faro Islands and a lackluster performance against the Czech Republic.
Despite the loss, Montenegro’s players received applause for their spirited display against a traditionally strong team, even with Croatia fielding a mixed lineup. The Croatian coach, Zlatko Dalic, praised Montenegro’s tactical approach, acknowledging the stress it caused during the match.
In response to the positive feedback from Dalic, Mirko Vucinic, Montenegro’s head coach, expressed a desire for more than just commendations. “I would prefer to have played much worse and won,” Vucinic stated, emphasizing the importance of victory in establishing a competitive spirit.
The match against Croatia served as a clear indicator of Montenegro’s potential, yet it also underscored areas needing improvement. Vucinic commented, “I am more saddened than proud. We played well and fought hard, but the details make the difference, and they were not in our favor.” The coach acknowledged the team’s need to build on their performance while recognizing that past results, including a crushing defeat against Gibraltar, have affected their standing.
As Montenegro prepares for the upcoming draw in the C Division, they will be among the seeded teams, suggesting they could be favorites to advance against three opponents. However, Vucinic remains cautious, stating that success will come down to attention to detail rather than simply relying on ranking.
Vucinic took over the national team following the dismissal of Robert Prosinecki and is committed to fostering a winning mentality. He emphasized the need for hard work and unity among players. “When I took on this role, the situation was not ideal, both in terms of results and morale. However, I believe in their quality,” he noted, reflecting on his expectations for the players.
Looking ahead, Vucinic’s message is clear: “We must live for victories because that is how we become competitors.” The team must continue to build on their recent performance, ensuring they maintain their fighting spirit as they pursue qualification for major international tournaments.
Vucinic’s approach blends motivation with a keen understanding of player dynamics, aiming to instill a sense of urgency and commitment. He recalled a recent training session where he had to address players’ attitudes toward performance, emphasizing the importance of showing passion for their roles on the team.
The journey ahead will be challenging, but Vucinic remains confident in his squad’s potential to rise to the occasion. As the team enters this pivotal phase, their focus will be on harnessing the lessons learned from matches like the one against Croatia and applying them to future competitions. The path is set; the players must embrace the journey towards becoming true contenders on the international stage.
