The Montenegrin women's basketball team begins their European Championship.
The 'Reds' will open their fifth appearance at the Eurobasket against Sweden in Riga.
Sweden is not strong in basketball, though they've progressed year after year, and in 2013, they played in the quarterfinals.
"Sweden is an experienced team, many players play in strong leagues, but I think we are well prepared and it will depend very much on us and our game. We need to meet the demands and fight in the right way," says Milica Jovanovic before the first match. Compared to the last European championship, Montenegro has changed its composition and only three players are on the team that played against Sweden six years ago, which they won 69:58. In addition to Milica Jovanovic, the national team jersey was then worn by Snezana Aleksic and Natasa Popovic.
"They have the Eldebrink sisters who've played for many years in the European league and are very experienced, and in other positions, they have tall basketball players, so I think we can fight against them with our game. They have a lot of girls playing at college who then go back to Sweden. It is imperative that we play smart, together, and give our maximum," says Jovanovic.
On the court against Sweden was Jelena Skerovic, who is now awaiting a different role. She will, for the first time, lead our girls from the bench at the Eurobasket.
"A lot is different now, it seems to me that it is much easier to play than to be on the side without being able to enter the court and help in something. This is what it all comes down to, the moments when I can contribute as a coach, but I'm happy so far with the way we started, and I believe that everything will go well," says the coach before the first duel.
Montenegro also has the Czech Republic and France in their group.
Text by Vijesti sport, on June 26th, 2019, read more at Vijesti
