Handball EHF Euro 2026 Qualifiers: Portugal vs Montenegro

April 9th, Women’s EHF Euro 2026 Qualifiers — Group 4, Round 5

Portugal couldn’t defeat Montenegro resulting in 26–34 match on Thursday evening in Matosinhos. Carmen Figueiredo opened the scoring for the hosts, giving Portugal an early advantage that briefly had the home crowd cheering.

Soon Montenegro striked back and gradually extended lead to three goals with five minutes remaining in the first half — heading into the break at 13–17. 

The second half saw Portugal perform a comeback, closing the gap to 17–20, but Montenegro’s players proved decisive as they stretched the gap to seven, and ultimately sealed the match.

Montenegro’s women handball credentials are established: EU champions in 2012, they claimed bronze at the 2022 EHF EURO and have been the dominant force in the group.

Portugal, coached by José António Silva, showed plenty of skill throughout the qualifiers. Silva acknowledged the difficulty of the task after the final whistle: “We knew it was a very complicated match. Montenegro also needed the result, played well, and were stronger than us — they deserved the victory.” 

The defeat leaves Portugal’s Euro 2026 qualification fate to be decided in the final round, away in Iceland on Sunday.