Montenegro Eyes Victory Against Spain in World Championship Opener

Montenegro’s women’s handball team is gearing up for a challenging start to the World Championship, facing Spain in their opening match on December 2, 2023. This encounter follows a recent qualification victory against the Färöer Islands, where Montenegro secured a 32-26 win. Coach Suzana Lazović’s squad is determined to improve upon their previous performance, aiming for a strong showing against Spain in Group D.

The team experienced fluctuations in their recent match against Färöer Islands, initially falling behind 4-1 before rallying with a 9-2 run to demonstrate their superior quality. Despite the challenges presented by their opponents, who thrive on fast-paced one-on-one play yet tend to make mistakes, Montenegro remains confident in its ability to perform well. Pavićević, a key player for the team, emphasized that they are well-prepared and ready to give their best on the court.

Montenegro’s aspirations extend beyond the opening match. The team’s goals include securing the top spot in their group, particularly with upcoming matches against Paraguay and Spain. Pavićević stated, “We want to finish first, but we are taking it step by step. I believe in my team.” She acknowledged that every match will be demanding, requiring maximum focus from the players.

The structure of the tournament offers a pathway to the knockout stage, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the main round. Montenegro will aim to carry maximum points into this phase, with the opportunity to compete for a quarter-final berth on December 9-10, 2023. The teams facing them in the main round will include strong contenders from Group C, such as Germany and Serbia.

The group breakdown is as follows:

– **Group A**: Denmark, Romania, Japan, Croatia
– **Group B**: Hungary, Switzerland, Senegal, Iran
– **Group C**: Germany, Serbia, Iceland, Uruguay
– **Group D**: Montenegro, Spain, Färöer Islands, Paraguay
– **Group E**: Netherlands, Austria, Argentina, Egypt
– **Group F**: France, Poland, Tunisia, China
– **Group G**: Sweden, Brazil, Czech Republic, Cuba
– **Group H**: Norway, Angola, South Korea, Kazakhstan

As the competition progresses, the top two teams from the main round will secure places in the quarter-finals. Montenegro’s players are eager for the challenge, particularly as they hope to avoid matchups against current champions France and other medal contenders.

Pavićević and her teammates are ready to embrace the intensity of the tournament, understanding that each match will be crucial. With their sights set on a successful campaign, Montenegro aims to assert its presence on the world stage, hoping for a promising start against Spain.