On a brisk Friday evening on November 14, 2025, all eyes from Turin to Podgorica turned to the Victoria Stadium in Gibraltar, where Vasilije Adzic, the promising number 10 from Juventus, donned Montenegro's red and gold in a crucial Group L qualifier for the 2026 World Cup. While the match itself may not have held qualification hopes for the Balkan side, it certainly delivered drama and a much-needed boost to a squad eager to rediscover its spirit after a string of disappointing results.
Adzic, the lone representative of Juventus Men’s First Team on international duty that night, played a pivotal role in Montenegro’s comeback against a determined Gibraltar side. The visitors, managed by Mirko Vucinic, found themselves trailing early, a scenario all too familiar in their recent qualifying campaign. But Adzic, with the poise and confidence that’s made him a player to watch in Serie A, stepped up when it mattered most.
In the 33rd minute, with Montenegro pressing for an equaliser, Adzic stood over a free kick at the edge of the penalty area. The tension was palpable. He struck the ball with precision—"a razor-sharp shot that nestled in the far corner," as described in the official match report. The Gibraltar keeper could only watch as the net rippled and the scoreboard leveled. For Adzic, it was more than just a goal; it was a statement, a reminder of his technical prowess and his ability to deliver under pressure.
The significance of Adzic’s goal extended beyond the immediate scoreline. Montenegro, battered by a series of defeats in their recent Group L matches, desperately needed a positive result to restore morale. The equaliser galvanized the team. Riding the momentum, they pressed forward, eventually sealing a 2-1 victory by the final whistle. It wasn’t just a win—it was a return to form, a demonstration that this squad, though out of World Cup contention, still had plenty of fight left.
"Coming off a series of defeats in their recent Group L matches in 2026 World Cup Qualifying, the Balkan team returned to winning ways," noted the post-match analysis. The three points lifted Montenegro to nine in the group standings, with a record of three wins and four defeats as of November 14, 2025. While mathematically eliminated from contention for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, the victory was a welcome relief for players, coaches, and fans alike.
The Group L standings reflect the uphill battle Montenegro faced throughout the campaign. Early optimism gave way to frustration as losses piled up, and the squad struggled to find consistency both at home and away. Injuries, tactical missteps, and the emergence of stronger group rivals conspired to dash their qualification hopes before the final fixtures. Yet, in this late autumn clash against Gibraltar, the team showed resilience and pride—qualities that bode well for the future, even if the present holds no ticket to the world’s biggest football stage.
Adzic’s performance was particularly noteworthy. Having established himself as a key figure for both club and country, the Juventus midfielder’s ability to influence the game in high-pressure situations has not gone unnoticed. His free-kick goal was not only technically impressive but also emblematic of his growth over the past season. Juventus supporters will surely be pleased to see their young star shining on the international stage, even as his national side navigates a challenging period.
Mirko Vucinic, Montenegro’s head coach and a legendary figure in Montenegrin football, praised his squad’s determination after the win. While the result may not alter the outcome of the group, it offers a foundation to build upon. The team now turns its attention to their final group match—an away fixture against Croatia, scheduled for Monday, November 17, at 20:45 CET. Though the stakes are no longer about qualification, pride and the chance to finish on a high note remain powerful motivators.
The upcoming clash with Croatia presents a different kind of challenge. The Croatian side, boasting a roster stacked with both seasoned veterans and emerging talent, will be eager to assert their dominance and secure their own objectives. For Montenegro, it’s an opportunity to test themselves against one of the region’s best and to give their supporters a performance to remember as this qualifying cycle draws to a close.
Reflecting on the campaign, it’s clear that Montenegro’s journey has been marked by both promise and frustration. The squad’s mix of youth and experience, typified by players like Adzic, suggests that brighter days may lie ahead. The lessons learned from this qualifying run—about resilience, tactical flexibility, and the importance of seizing key moments—will serve the team well as they regroup for future competitions.
For Juventus fans, Adzic’s international exploits are a source of pride and a testament to the club’s ongoing commitment to developing top-tier talent. His performance against Gibraltar, particularly the expertly taken free kick, will no doubt feature in highlight reels and scouting reports for months to come. As the midfielder returns to Turin following Montenegro’s final match, he brings with him not only the experience of international competition but also the confidence that comes from overcoming adversity on the pitch.
As the dust settles on Montenegro’s World Cup qualifying campaign, attention shifts to what comes next. The final match against Croatia offers a chance to end on a positive note, to give fans a reason to cheer, and to set the stage for the next chapter in Montenegrin football. Whether or not the result goes their way, the lessons of this campaign—and the moments of brilliance from players like Adzic—will linger long after the final whistle.
With qualification hopes dashed but spirits lifted, Montenegro’s journey through Group L nears its end. One thing’s for sure: with young stars like Vasilije Adzic leading the way, the future holds plenty of promise for this proud footballing nation.
