Ice-cool Bulatovic fires Buducnost into main round

Two goals from veteran Katarina Bulatovic in the dying minutes confirmed Buducnost’s main round spot, as the Montenegrin team won 26:22 away against Odense HC, who are also in the main round despite the defeat.

• The win ensured Buducnost’s progression to the main round
• Despite the defeat, Odense are also ready for the next phase of the competition
• Djurdjina Jaukovic scored eight goals for Buducnost, Trine Østergaard seven for Odense

GROUP A
Odense HC (DEN) vs Buducnost (MNE) 22:26 (14:13)

With Montenegro’s Swedish national coach Per Johansson among the 1,937 spectators, Buducnost clinched their main round berth with one match to spare.

Two goals from the experienced right back Katarina Bulatovic, who made it 24:21 and 25:22 in the dying minutes, sealed the triumph for the away team, who had Milena Raicevic as a brilliant leader in defence as well as attack in a hectic match, in which the visitors were better at keeping a clear head.

After a first half with frequently changing leads, Odense seemed to be getting a grip on the match, leading 14:11 a few minutes before half-time.

The second half had hardly begun, however, before Buducnost were leading 15:14.

After exchanging the lead on a few occasions, Buducnost took control with a two-goal lead and with her two crucial strikes towards the end, Bulatovic put the result beyond doubt.

Despite the defeat, Odense follow Buducnost and Metz into the main round.