Everything on the line in Neu-Ulm, with big clash between Germany and Montenegro on the cards

With two tickets to Paris 2024 already delivered in Torrevieja, another one could be sealed on Saturday, as Germany face Montenegro in a crunch match in the Olympic Qualification Tournament #3 in Neu-Ulm, before Slovenia take on Paraguay.

Olympic Qualification Tournament #3
14:15 CEST Germany vs Montenegro

Both sides have won their first matches in Neu-Ulm, but that might mean little if they do not double down, as Montenegro throws off a hectic two-day salvo, with matches against Germany and Slovenia.

Bojana Popovic’s side was far from their usual selves against Paraguay, where they edged a 30:25 win, but with seven minutes on the clock, Montenegro had only a one-goal lead, with only their experience and depth, as well as some saves from goalkeeper Armelle Attingre making the difference.

Such mishaps will not be left unpunished by a better well-rounded Germany team, which will count on the support of a sold-out Ratiopharm Arena, especially as Markus Gaugisch’s team aims to double down on the men’s team performance, which had previously secured their Paris 2024 Olympic Games tickets in Hanover last March.

“We are really a young team now. Young, but they are also for a long time in the team, and I think that’s really helpful. You can see that we know each other better,” said line player Julia Behnke, one of the most experienced Germany players after the 31:25 win against Slovenia in the first match of the Olympic Qualification Tournament #3.

Indeed, Germany controlled that match and secured a crucial win, thanks to an excellent defensive display, headlined by the hummel Player of the Match, goalkeeper Katharina Filter, who will be expected to deliver another excellent performance against Montenegro.

Historically, though, Germany have won only once in four tries against Montenegro, with Montenegro clinching the last two wins, 27:20 at the EHF EURO 2014 and 29:25 at the EHF EURO 2022, with Germany’s last win coming at the EHF EURO 2022, 11 and a half years ago, 27:20.

“Germany had the advantage from the beginning and broke Slovenia's resistance until the end and deservedly won two points. As for tactical things - everything was repeated. We will analyze them and prepare as best we can,” said Bojana Popovic, Montenegro’s coach, after the win against Paraguay.

16:45 CEST Slovenia vs Paraguay

Paraguay were close to create shockwaves by staying close to Montenegro, yet having to face three European sides in the Olympic Qualification Tournament #3 is a daunting task for a team which has failed to win any of the matches played against European opposition so far in their history.

There will be no break for Paraguay, which had Fernanda Insfran Mora score nine goals against Montenegro, one of the finest performances in the Olympic Qualification Tournaments, as the South American side will face another tough challenge against Slovenia.

This is the last-chance saloon for Slovenia, as the European side has no other option than to win if they are to seal a ticket for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. As Montenegro won by only five goals against Paraguay, Dragan Adzic’s will aim to secure at least a six-goal win, in order to improve their chances of progression.

For that to happen, the European side must have serious contributions from their cast of players other than Ana Gros, who finished the first match against Germany with 11 goals, the largest number of goals scored by a single player in a match in the three competitions in Debrecen, Torrevieja and Neu-Ulm so far.

"Paraguay did not overly surprise me, because they played in the same way as against Montenegro as they did in the World Championship.. We will prepare for Saturday's matches as seriously as possible. The Olympic qualification tournament can bring some calculations, so every additional goal against the Paraguayans will be important," says Slovenia’s coach, Dragan Adzic.

However, all thoughts will go to the last match against Montenegro on Sunday, with Slovenia having an advantage of featuring in a match which might be consider easier, as Adzic’s side is still dreaming of their maiden Olympic berth.