2022 European bronze medallists Montenegro made light work of Iceland at the Westfalenhalle in Dortmund as Suzanna Lazovic’s side won their opening main round game by nine goals.

Main Round, Group II
Iceland vs Montenegro 27:36 (11:14)

With the almost impossible task of winning all their games in Dortmund to have any chance of qualifying through to the last eight, Iceland’s loss means they are now out of contention for a place in the Germany/Netherlands 2025 last eight.

Coach Lazovic brought in Buducnost left Elena Mitrovic in place of young goalkeeper Andrea Skerovic, while Iceland coach Arnar Petursson took out centre back Matthildur Lilja Jónsdóttir and brought in line player Alexandra Lif Arnarsdottir.

Appearing in just their third-ever global event, the gulf in difference between the two teams was evident early on as Iceland turned over the ball six times in their first nine attacks before finally coring in the 10th minute.

Despite the time taken to open their account, Montenegro had struggled themselves early on, scoring just three times in the first 12 minutes, as Dana Gudmundsdóttir got her side back in on the quarter-mark (5:5, 15th minute).

But with Matea Pletikosic, Djurdjina Jaukovic and goalkeeper Armelle Attingre in their squad, anything is possible for Montenegro and with all three involved in their own way, their side went on a 5:0 scoring run to make it 10:5 and end the Icelandic threat.

The 51st minute brought up the first double-digit lead for the Montenegrins as Jelena Vukcevic made it 31:21 and Montenegro could relax, knowing harder tests lie ahead, against Germany and then Serbia.

hummel Player of the Match: Dijana Trivić (Montenegro)