20.03.2014, 09:49
One debutant for Montenegro's qualification double-header

PREVIEW: 17-year-old Djurdjina Jaukovic gets a chance to prove herself in the defending champions' Women's EHF EURO 2014 Qualification matches against Czech Republic

One debutant for Montenegro's qualification double-header

A 17-year-old left back is the only newcomer to Montenegro’s women’s national team when they face Czech Republic in a Women’s EHF EURO 2014 Qualification double-header on 26 and 30 March.

Head coach Dragan Adzic literally nominated the same team (line player Sara Vukcevic is missing because of a shoulder injury) that reached the Last 16 of the World Championship 2013 in December, but decided to give Djurdjina Jaukovic a chance as well.

The 17-year-old was one of the best players for Montenegro at the Women's 17 EHF EURO 2013 in Poland at which Montenegro finished fifth.

"Djurdjina Jaukovic at her young age shows that she's a great talent, and she will have the opportunity to learn.

"We are looking to involve as many cadets as possible in the work of the senior national team. So, in the first three days of preparation, because we will not be complete, several younger players will work with us,” Dragan Adzic told euohandball.com.

"When I heard the news, I could not believe it. It still looks a little unrealistic to me, but now I fulfilled my dream and I'm really happy,” Jaukovic said.

"I would be honored to be a part of this team and I will try to give all the best at every training and also if I get the chance to justify expectations.”

Looking for redemption

Losing to Denmark in the Last 16 of the World Championship still weighs heavily on Montenegro, and the EHF EURO 2012 champions are looking forward to redeeming themselves in the EHF EURO 2014 Qualification.

After two matches have been played, Montenegro and Czech Republic top Group 3 with the maximum of four points each.

"Czech Republic are absolutely serious opponents. I analysed their last performances at EHF EURO 2012 and they have a completely different look compared to when we last met them in 2011," Adzic said.

"Now they have a lot more confidence, even though it's the same team. The away victory against Poland shows how serious they are.

"These two games are very important, as we want to restore confidence and prove that we are better than a high-quality team like Czech Republic."

Adzic thinks that Buducnost reaching the Women’s EHF FINAL4 in Budapest, but also the results of players playing in other clubs, such as Katarina Bulatovic (Györi Audi ETO KC), Jovanka Radicevic, Ana Djokic, Andrea Klikovac (Vardar), Marija Jovanovic (Astrakhanochka), Sonja Barjaktarovic (Rostov), may be beneficial to the national team.

"Except for Andjela Bulatovic (RK Krim Mercator), all players are enjoying a positive season so far, they are all in the race for realising some of their club's goals.

"This is positive, and it can be transferred to the national team," Adzic concluded.

Montenegro will gather on Thursday (20 March) in Podgorica, and play the first game against Czech Republic on 26 March away at Most and four days later on home court in Bijelo Polje.

Montenegro's squad

Goalkeepers: Sonja Barjaktarovic (Rostov-Don, Russia), Marina Vukcevic (Buducnost), Milica Kostic (Danilovgrad)

Wingers: Majda Mehmedovic (Buducnost), Biljana Pavicevic (Buducnost), Radmila Petrovic (Buducnost), Jovanka Radicevic (Vardar, FYR Macedonia), Olivera Vukcevic (Buducnost) Line players: Ana Djokic (Rostov-Don, Russia) Suzana Lazovic (Buducnost)

Back court: Marija Jovanovic (Astrakhanochka, Russia), Milena Knezevic (Buducnost), Andjela Bulatovic (Krim Mercator, Slovenia), Jelena Despotovic (MTK, Hungary), Katarina Bulatovic (Györi Audi ETO KC, Hungary), Andrea Klikovac (Vardar, FYR Macedonia), Djurdjina Malovic (Danilovgrad), Djurdjina Jaukovic (Danilovgrad).

TEXT: Saša Jončić / ts