02.06.2015, 10:49
Montenegro’s home stretch to Poland

FEATURE: Montenegro were not among the favourites when the Men’s EHF EURO 2016 Qualification began, but the side now has the possibility of booking their ticket to Poland

Montenegro’s home stretch to Poland

A victory in the next game, in Bar against Serbia on 10 June, will book Montenegro a ticket for Poland – even a draw could be enough to secure their place at the EHF EURO 2016 as the best third-ranked team if they slip down the table.

But Montenegro will be facing a Serbian side that need a win to keep their EHF EURO 2016 dream alive.

"We only look at ourselves. We are not interested in the results of others. We want to win every game until the end, not only against Serbia. A triumph over Serbia opens the door to the European Championship, which is the goal of this team," said Montenegro coach Ljubomir Obradovic.

The upcoming match against Serbia will be a special one for Radivoje Ristanovic, Branko Kankaras and Vuk Lazovic, all of whom were born in what is now Serbia.

The three joined the team since the last meeting with Serbia in October, making this the first game they will play against their native land.

"We will approach the match like any other. Our goal is to win, so we'll do everything to get the two points. That will be our only goal.

"I have positive impressions of everything that happened in Bar. Now I'm sure I made the right decision when I accepted the spot for Montenegro. The atmosphere in the team is really phenomenal, and we have a realistic chance of qualifying for EHF EURO 2016," said Ristanovic, who has played for Lovcen for five seasons.

Squad changes

Obradovic has named the squad to play against Serbia (10 June) and Iceland (14 June), with all players who played the two victorious games against Israel included.

Line player Lazovic joins the squad, while right wing Marko Lasica makes his return.

Talented 17-year-old right back Branko Vujovic, who recently signed a five-year contract with Polish giants KS Vive Tauron Kielce, is new to the team.

But some bad news comes from France: PSG Handball right wing Fahrudin Melic is injured and must rest. It remains uncertain whether he will able to play.

"I'm so disappointed that I injured myself at this delicate moment, when Montenegro will play the most important matches.

"I will do everything to be ready for the match with Serbia because I want to help achieve the desired results. However, when I finish therapy I have to pass detailed examinations from the club's doctor, who needs to give me the green light to play for the national team.

"For now, I feel the pain, and rest is necessary," Melic said.

Montenegro squad for Rounds 5 and 6 in the EHF EURO Qualificatiopn

Goalkeepers: Rade Mijatovic (Csurgoi KK), Mile Mijuskovic (Frigoríficos del Morrazo), Radivoje Ristanovic (HBW Balingen-Weilstetten)

Left wings: Milos Vujovic (Uniqa Pecs), Milan Popovic (Lovcen),

Right wings: Fahrudin Melic (PSG Handball), Mirko Radovic (Valence Handball), Marko Lasica (Anagennisi Vyrona)

Line players: Nemanja Grbovic (Ceglédi KKSE), Branko Kankaras (Mersin Hantaş Sportif), Vuk Lazovic (Vojvodina)

Left backs: Vasko Sevaljevic (TSV Hannover-Burgdorf), Vuko Borozan (TuS N-Lübbecke), Milos Bozovic (Gorenje Velenje)

Centre backs: Mirko Milasevic (Billère Handball), Bogdan Petricevic (Mulhouse HB Sud Alsace), Bozidar Andjelic (HK Malmö)

Right backs: Vladan Lipovina (HSG Wetzlar), Stefan Cavor (Csurgoi KK), Branko Vujovic (KS Vive Tauron Kielce)

TEXT: Saša Jončić / cg / ts