Montenegro’s women’s handball team secured a convincing victory over Paraguay, winning 34-25 in their second match of Group D at the World Championship. This win, following their earlier triumph against the Faroe Islands, sets the stage for a highly anticipated encounter with Spain, scheduled for December 2, 2023, in Dortmund.
With this latest result, Montenegro approaches the match against Spain with a perfect record and the potential to advance to the main round with maximum points. However, the team’s head coach, Suzana Lazovic, faces challenges with injuries, most notably that of left-winger Jelena Vukcevic, who sustained a shoulder injury during the first match. While the injury is not to her shooting arm, her availability for the upcoming game remains uncertain. Another player, Nina Bulatovic, is also a concern after sitting out the Paraguay game.
Despite these setbacks, several players showcased strong offensive form against Paraguay. Montenegro found success in counterattacks, scoring six goals from fast breaks, including two from pivot Andrijana Tatar, who also earned a penalty. However, the team will need to improve their efficiency from clear scoring opportunities, an area where they struggled against the South American side.
Montenegro’s defense will also require enhancement as they prepare to face Spain’s formidable backline, led by coach Ambros Martín. The match against Paraguay revealed vulnerabilities, particularly in defending against positional attacks, which allowed their opponents to stay competitive for stretches of the game.
In the first half, Montenegro led 19-13, with standout performances from players like Matea Pletikosic, who netted five goals and assisted six. The team’s substantial lead of six goals at halftime was a testament to their overall class on the court.
As the second half unfolded, Lazovic rotated her squad, giving players who had not featured prominently in the opening match a chance to shine. Notably, Dijana Trivic contributed significantly, scoring five goals from seven attempts, helping Montenegro extend their lead to an impressive eleven goals at one point.
The match concluded with Montenegro firmly in control, showcasing depth and intensity throughout their lineup. The final score of 34-25 reflects both the team’s offensive prowess and the need for defensive adjustments ahead of the critical match against Spain in Trier.
Final statistics from the match show that Montenegro’s goalkeepers made crucial saves, with Marija Marsenic recording seven stops. The match took place at the SWT Arena, with an attendance of 1,861 spectators.
Looking ahead, Montenegro will need to address their defensive issues and maintain their attacking momentum as they prepare for what promises to be a challenging and decisive encounter against Spain.
