Montenegro Handball Team Aims High at Euro 2024 Championship

Montenegro’s handball team is gearing up for a highly competitive challenge as they head into the European Championship, which begins on January 15, 2024. This marks their eighth participation in the tournament, and they are poised to advance from a balanced group featuring Slovenia, the Faroe Islands, and Switzerland. The team commenced preparations yesterday, bolstered by their successful qualification cycle, which they describe as the best since regaining independence.

The goalkeeper, Haris Suljevic, expressed optimism about their chances. He stated, “We expect to be absolutely competitive in the group. In every match, we will strive for victory. This is the most evenly matched group in the championship—anyone can win or lose.” He acknowledged that their main hurdle could be the team’s health, with key players like Aleksandar Bakic, Nebojša Simić, and Nikola Matović unavailable due to injuries.

As the team prepares for the championship, they will focus on physical conditioning until the end of the year. Miloš Božović, the team’s coach, noted, “We have four days to balance rest and training, which is crucial as we approach the tournament.” He emphasized the need for a strategic approach to ensure that players are in optimal form.

In the absence of Simić and Matović, the responsibility will heavily rest on Suljević’s shoulders. The 24-year-old goalkeeper from Mojkovac has been performing well for his club, Zagreb, this season. “My form is satisfactory, and I hope to elevate it even further during the European Championship,” Suljević remarked, highlighting the increased motivation that comes with representing the national team. He added, “This is a different level; the motivation is much greater than playing for any club.”

Suljević is adapting to his evolving role within the team, transitioning quickly from a backup to the primary goalkeeper. He expressed satisfaction with his performance so far and shared confidence in the team’s cohesion, stating, “We have acted as a unit in every match, and I hope that continues at the European Championship.”

Coach Bozović recognized the challenges ahead, particularly given the high caliber of competition. “It won’t be easy; this tournament gathers the best players in Europe. Every team is tactically, physically, and technically prepared at the highest level. We need to take it match by match, aiming for a win in every game,” he said. He underscored the importance of setting high goals, as he believes the team can impose their rhythm in all three matches.

The Montenegrin team has additional motivation as they return to the international stage after missing the previous World Championship due to a surprising elimination by Italy in the qualifiers. Bozović reflected on that period, stating, “This team deserves to be at major competitions, and we have a good continuity that we should not break. There is a strong desire and motivation to perform well.”

In preparation for Euro 2024, Montenegro will play two friendly matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina on January 9 and January 11 in Podgorica. Bozović concluded, “Our focus is now on these matches, and we will have five days to refine our strategy for the championship. It is essential to display good gameplay and motivation in these encounters, as they will lay the foundation for the tournament.”

With high hopes and a clear strategy, Montenegro aims to make a significant impact at the upcoming European Championship.