GROUP 4
Highlight Match:Â Portugal vs Montenegro 26:34 (13:17)
Top scorers: Carmen Figueiredo 7/15 (Portugal); Matea Pletikosić 7/10, Djurdjina Jaukovic 7/9 (both Montenegro)
Portugal started the match with great energy and kept pace with Suzana Lazović’s side in the opening 20 minutes, with only one or two goals (11:12) separating the teams until the 22nd minute.
However, the introduction of Anastasija Babović Vujović in place of Armelle Attingré changed the course of the match, as the goalkeeper made five saves (56 per cent save efficiency) in a short period before half-time, allowing Montenegro to build a four-goal lead (13:17).
After the break, Matea Pletikosić continued to lead the attack, while Tatjana Brnović posed constant problems for Portugal on both ends of the court, with the line player’s physical presence causing major difficulties for the hosts. Montenegro’s quality and experience helped them extend their lead to double digits (21:31) in the 48th minute, which proved more than enough to secure a convincing victory and another EHF EURO appearance.