Nikšić, Montenegro - In an exciting UEFA qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup, Montenegro faced off against Gibraltar on March 22, 2025, at the Estadio kraj Bistrice. Montenegro started strong, showcasing their offensive capabilities with a decisive 3-1 victory over Gibraltar, where the home team immediately asserted dominance on the field.
The match began with Gibraltar taking an unexpected lead when Dan Bent scored at the 13th minute, capitalizing on an early error in the Montenegrin defense. Bent's goal left the home team momentarily shaken but quickly rallied as Montenegrin superstar Stevan Jovetić equalized just nine minutes later, scoring in the 22nd minute.
Montenegro, under the guidance of coach Robert Prosinečki, fielded a promising formation of 4-3-3, aiming to leverage their attacking prowess. The lineup featured Igor Nikic as goalkeeper, supported by defenders Marko Vesovic, Marko Tuci, Nikola Sipcic, and Ognjen Gasevic. Central midfielders Marko Jankovic, Stefan Loncar, and Driton Camaj provided the backbone for the team, with the dynamic attacking trio of Jovetić, Nikola Krstović, and Stefan Mugosa threatening the opposition's defense.
As the match progressed, Montenegro began to dominate possession, finishing the first half with a commanding 67% ball control compared to Gibraltar’s 33%. The Montenegrin players exhibited excellent passing accuracy and offensive strategies, pressuring their opponents as they sought to regain the lead.
Reinvigorated after halftime, Montenegro continued its assault. Marko Tuci, having proven essential to the team's defense, found the net in the 70th minute, scoring the second goal for his side. Just three minutes later, Adam Marusic added to the scoreline, putting Montenegro up 3-1. With these goals, the home team demonstrated that they were not just surviving, but thriving in their quest for a World Cup spot.
Despite the score, Gibraltar played with heart, trying to find openings for potential counterattacks. Coach Scott Wiseman's squad lined up in a 4-3-3 formation as well, featuring Bradley Banda in goal and a defensive line formed by Kian Ronan, Louie Annesley, Bernardo Lopes, and Ethan Britto. Their midfield was anchored by Bent, Tjay De Barr, and James Scanlon, while the attack consisted of Liam Jessop, Ayoub El Hmidi, and Carlos Richards.
Gibraltar's performances in previous qualifying matches had bolstered their confidence, showcasing their resilience and tactical discipline. They aimed not to simply defend but to surprise their opponents with quick transitions to attack. However, the pressure from Montenegro proved too much, stifling Gibraltar's attempts to create meaningful scoring opportunities.
This match marked a blur of emotions, with both teams receiving several yellow cards, reflecting the intensity of the encounter. Notably, Montenegro received four yellow cards, while Gibraltar was cautioned three times throughout the match. The referee, António Nobre, had a busy afternoon ensuring that the game remained within the bounds of fair play.
Watching the match was an electric experience, with passionate fans filling the stands, urging their teams to deliver their best performances. As broadcast live on Disney+ Premium, viewers worldwide engaged with this exciting chapter of the UEFA qualifiers.
With this win, Montenegro captured three crucial points, propelling them to the top of Group L in the qualification standings while Gibraltar remained in the bottom position without any points. This victory not only boosts Montenegro's chances of qualifying for the World Cup but also reinforces their dominance in recent head-to-head matchups against Gibraltar, having won their last three meetings.
In their next matches, Montenegro looks forward to facing the Faroe Islands, while Gibraltar will host the Czech Republic. Both teams are determined to improve their standings, hoping for positive results as they chase their World Cup dreams.
As Montenegro celebrates this hard-fought victory, the path ahead becomes clearer in their quest for World Cup qualification, adding a layer of excitement for fans and players alike.
