After the EHF EURO 2012 triumph, Montenegro settle back into reality

After the EHF EURO 2012 triumph, Montenegro settle back into reality

Almost two moths after the historical success in Serbia in December, where Montenegro's women's national team crowned themselves European champions, head coach Dragan Adžić looks ahead, announcing a list of 23 players for the women's national team week from 18 to 24 March 2013.

Experienced line player Ana Đokić (34) is on the list, even though she had announced after EHF EURO 2012 that she would end her playing career  at the end of this season.

"My teammates from the national team are trying to persuade me to play until the 2013 World Championship in Serbia in December," she admitted.

"Nevertheless, I think I will stick with the decision to play until the summer and then devote myself to the family. That’s what I think at the moment,” Ana Đokić told Montenegrian newspaper 'Vijesti' a few days after Montenegro had won gold at EHF EURO.

If Ana Đokić does not change her mind, the women's national team week will mark her last appearance action in the national team for the 34-year-old who also won Olympic silver with Montenegro at the 2012 Games in London.

Dragan Adžić remains reasonably tight-lipped about the plans of one of key players.

"You must ask Ana about that. For me she is a member of the national team until she plays professional handball," he told eurohandball.com.

However, after the list of players was announced, Đokić confirmed her decision.

"I want to dedicate myself to the family, the time is right. First of all, I must say that Rostov (her current club) offered me excellent conditions to play for another year, but I want to say 'goodbye' in the moment of great success,” Đokić added.

Asked if she is going to miss the national team, Đokić said:

"Of course, as well as the game of handball itself – so in March I will have the opportunity to once more be on the court next to the girls whom I consider my friends.

"I will always only bear beautiful emotions and joy regarding the national team," Đokić concluded.

Comparing to the squad for EHF EURO 2012 in Serbia, there just two new names in the reigning European champions' team.

First one is back court player Jovana Jovović who plays for Polish side KPR Ruch Chorzów.

She is known for her refined and unique technique that sees her shooting equally well with both hands. She was in contention for the squad for the 2011 World Championship, but in the end she did not make the team that played in the final tournament.

For the first time nominated at all is Bobana Klikovac who is coming up to the senior national team from the junior's level.

As Adžić announced, Montenegro will play two friendly games in Bar against Croatia on 23 and 24 March.

"We will play the first game in full force, in order to maintain an atmosphere and rhythm of our training sessions," the head coach said.

"In the second match some other players will get more time to play against a quality opponent like Croatia." he added.

Montenegro squad for the women's national team week

Goalkeepers: Sonja Barjaktarović (Rostov-Don, Russia), Marina Vukčević (Budućnost), Katarina Perović (Budućnost), Milica Kostić (Biseri)

Wingers: Biljana Pavićević (Budućnost), Majda Mehmedović (Budućnost), Radmila Miljanić (Budućnost), Jovanka Radičević (Györi Audi ETO KC, Hungary)

Line players: Suzana Lazović (Budućnost), Ana Đokić (Rostov-Don, Russia) Sara Vukčević (ETV-Erdi VSE, Hungary), Bobana Klikovac (Biseri)

Back court players: Marija Jovanović (Oltchim Rm. Valcea, Romania), Sandra Nikčević (Astrakhanochka, Russia), Milena Knežević (Budućnost), Anđela Bulatović (Budućnost), Jelena Despotović (Budućnost), Katarina Bulatović (Oltchim Rm. Valcea, Romania), Jasna Tošković (Issy Paris Hand, France), Andrea Klikovac (Vardar, FYR Macedonia), Sanja Premović (Naisa, Serbia), Jovana Jovović (KPR Ruch Chorzów, Poland), Nataša Krnić (Vistal Laczpol Gdynia, Poland).