Montenegro’s women’s handball team started their World Championship campaign with a hard-fought victory over the Faroe Islands, winning 32-27. The match marked an important opening for the team as they now prepare to face Paraguay today, with hopes of correcting earlier mistakes and maintaining momentum for a crucial clash against Spain on December 2, 2023.
Despite some errors during the opener, the Montenegrin team managed to secure two vital points, a factor that could be decisive for their position in Group D. According to team captain Katarina Džaferović, the victory against the Faroe Islands was significant, but it also highlighted areas for improvement. “We are ready for Paraguay, and we will do our best to rectify our mistakes,” she stated, expressing confidence in her team’s ability to secure a convincing win.
As Montenegro gears up for the match, the focus is on strengthening their defense. Džaferović emphasized the importance of defensive strategies, which were somewhat lacking in the opening game. “Without a strong defense, we cannot achieve our objectives. We need to improve our transitions and utilize our fast players effectively,” she explained.
The coaching staff, led by Suzana Lazović, is contemplating giving all players a chance to showcase their skills, especially some of the less experienced athletes. This could provide an opportunity for debutants to gain valuable experience against Paraguay, which is regarded as a less formidable opponent compared to others in the tournament.
In the opening match against the Faroe Islands, young goalkeeper Marija Maršenić stood out, making crucial saves, including stopping two penalty shots. She expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance and the positive energy they brought to the tournament. “It was essential to start the championship with a win. Our energy was good, and we gave our best,” she said.
Forward Andrijana Tatar, another debutant, echoed the sentiment regarding the need for focused play. “The key is maintaining high energy and focusing on our defense, which will lead to more scoring opportunities,” she remarked. Tatar is expected to take on more responsibility in both offense and defense during the upcoming match.
Montenegro’s strategy against Paraguay is expected to involve a fast-paced game, capitalizing on the team’s agility and experience. The players are aware of the challenges posed by different play styles. “This team is similar in style to our first opponent but operates at a different tempo,” Tatar noted.
Today’s match against Paraguay takes place at 18:00 local time and is part of the preliminary round of the World Championship. Montenegro is aiming for another victory to solidify their position in the group, leading up to their critical match against Spain.
The schedule for Group D includes other significant matchups, with Spain facing the Faroe Islands later today. As the tournament progresses, Montenegro’s performance will be closely watched, particularly as they strive to build on their initial success.
