Strong attacking performance helps Montenegro to reach main round

Surprised by Paraguay at the start of the match, Montenegro bounced back and claimed their second win at Denmark/Norway/Sweden 2023, 41:26, sealing a main round berth. 

Group B
Paraguay vs Montenegro 26:41 (15:17)

Paraguay had never won against an European team at the IHF Women's World Championship before the match against Montenegro, but took a 7:5 lead early in the match against Montenegro, shocking the European side. A lack of focus for the European side was the main issue, but they still looked strong enough for a comeback.

However, an 8:0 run between minutes 11 and 20 lifted Montenegro to a 12:7 lead and from that moment on, it was game over for Paraguay. With a rock-solid defence and a number of fast breaks, the European side displayed some excellent handball, and Ivona Pavicevic had a special impact, scoring six goas before the break.

At the end of the first half, Paraguay slashed the gap, as 10 of their players had scored at least once already before the break. A two-goal deficit, 15:17, after 30 minutes did not seen insurmountable and the South Americans started the second half with the determination to turn the tide.

However, it was just an illusion, as Montenegro firmly took the match under their control. While Itana Grbic and Dijana Mugosa shone in attack, Marta Batinovic, who replaced Milena Rajcic in goal, did a great job, ultimately recording a 48% save rate, after she had previously bossed the game against Cameroon, saving 11 of the 13 shots she faced. 

Between minutes 33 and 47, the Balkan side enjoyed an impressive 12:3 run, basically answering all questions about the winner. While Montenegro had scored only 25 goals in their opening match against Cameroon, this time they hit the 40-goal mark, as Pavicevic and Mugosa netted nine and eight times, respectively. 

With two wins in two matches, Montenegro are through to the main round, and Hungary will follow them later today in case they defeat Cameroon. In the last Group B games on Monday, Montenegro will face Hungary in an all-European duel, while Paraguay will meet Cameroon, which will likely be the match to decide the third main round berth from Group B. 

hummel Player of the Match: Tanja Ivanovic (Montenegro)