Montenegro returned to the World Cup after ten years of break. In the first group stage, first after a good game, they lost to favored Spain 25:30. Then she scored two scheduled victories – against Iran 34:31 and Chile 35:33, but in both meetings she presented herself poorly.
Good game, but fatal performance of the Montenegrins
The real test for the Montenegrins was the clash with the current Olympic champions – France. To think about advancing to the quarter-finals, Montenegro had to win, because they started the second group stage with two points. After the first half, she was losing 13:16, only because she lacked efficiency. Several times players from Montenegro lost one-on-one duels with goalkeeper Vincent Gerard (until the break he had as much as 38 percent effectiveness, and at the end of the match 45 percent). They also missed two penalties. However, their quick attacking game, ease in creating shooting opportunities could be liked. They played faster in attack than the Polish national team does. Their game can be liked more than the White and Reds.
Two of Montenegro’s most effective players at the world championships so far: Branko Vujović (former Industria Kielce player) and Milos Vujović did not have their day at all in the first half. Both after three matches were in the TOP5 most effective in the entire event. Branko Vujovic was third with 25 goals and Milos Vujovic was fourth with one goal less. Meanwhile, at the break, their balance was respectively: 1/6 and 0/3.
Montenegrins certainly have a problem in defense. They are not a monolith in it and Poles, even with their slow, schematic game, will be able to take advantage of this. In each of the four matches of this tournament, they conceded at least 30 goals: against Spain 30, against weak Iran 31, against even weaker Chile as many as 33 and now 35 against France.
In the second half, the Montenegrins were unable to turn the tide of the duel. No wonder, since in the 45th minute they had only 48 percent. effectiveness. With such efficiency against France, there is no chance to win.
“We would have to play our best game of the tournament to play against France, which is in the top 3 in the world. Meanwhile, at 48 percent I don’t know if we would have won against anyone today. You can’t waste so many 100% chances, four penalties. It wasn’t our day. Maybe we lacked concentration, because we play every two days – said Branko Vujovic after the match.
– With Poland, which plays poorly, it will be easier for them? we asked. “It will be easier than against France, but it’s not easy to play against 15,000. the audience. I think it could be a very even match. I don’t know why Poles play worse. I didn’t have time to watch their meetings. Only now will we analyze them,” added Vujovic.
Montenegro will play Poland on Friday at 8.30 p.m. Live coverage on Sport.pl and in the Sport.pl LIVE application.
In Wednesday’s other games, Slovenia beat Iran 38-21 (20-9), Iceland beat Cape Verde 40-30 (18-13) and Portugal surprisingly drew Brazil 28-28 (12-11). At. 20.30 Poland will play against Spain, and Sweden against Hungary.
France – Montenegro 35:24 (16:13)
France: Gerard, Desbonnet 1 – Richardson 10, Lenne 3, Nahi 3, Briet 3, Fabregas 3, Mahe 3, Remili 2, Prandi 2, N. Karabatić 2, Tournat 1, Grebille 1, Porte 1, L. Karabatić, Lagarde.
Montenegro: Simic, Matović – Bozovic 6, B. Vujovic 3, Andjelic 3, Radovic 3, Bakic 3, Lazovic 2, Cepic 1, Corsovic 1, Lasica, Vujacic 1, S. Vujovic, Sevaljevic, Kaludjerovic.
Group 1 table:
- France 3 games 6 points goal difference 96:79
- Slovenia 3 4 101:79
- Spain 2 4 65:47
- Montenegro 3 2 83:96
- Poland 2 0 47:58
- Iran 3 0 74:107
Source: Sport
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
