Montenegro and the country's Swedish national team captain Per Johansson had a big goal with this year's handball World Cup in Japan: to finish top seven and thus sign off a ticket to the Olympic qualification.
After 26-23 against Sweden in the last match of the middle round, the goal was met.
"This was our goal after all and I have to try to enjoy this moment," says Johansson, who in 2010 led the Swedish women's national team to the EM silver.
"Don't whine"At the same time, he could not really let go of Spain, who advanced to the World Cup semi-final, with the end goal in the first group game. Although the Spaniards the seconds before the decision should have been blown off for offensive foul.
- Those thoughts come, after all, that we're really so close to reaching the semi-finals. But getting to the semi is extremely small. We had two odd goals that could have gone the other way. So I'm not gonna whine really.
He was happy to come in for a break against Sweden with 12-12.
- They have to run through way too easily. Then we are lucky that Brass misses their positions. Otherwise, they can go up to five, six (goals).
"Try to enjoy"A strong defense and a magnificent Marta Batinovic (46 in save percentage) turned the game to Montenegro's advantage after the break.
-I'm not used to having rescues in this number. We have not had as many rescues in my three championships with Montenegro as we had today, says Johansson, who took over as the national team for the 2017 World Cup.
How do you celebrate this?
- Today there will probably be some sprinklers. Today I will try to enjoy with my assistant and my leaders.