The Montenegro national football team clinched their second victory in the qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup with a tense 1:0 win against the Faroe Islands. The match, held on March 26, 2025, at the Stadion Gradski in Nikšić, ended dramatically with a last-minute goal that secured a crucial three points for Montenegro's World Cup aspirations.
In a tightly contested match, it seemed as if both teams would leave the pitch with a point apiece. The game was filled with near-misses and defensive holds, denying both sides a break until the dying moments. Just when it appeared that the stalemate would be the final result, Edvin Kuč, playing for Azerbaijani club Neftchi, marked his place in the match history with a decisive strike in the 90+6 minute.
The late goal was a product of persistent pressure from the Montenegrin offensive line, which had been searching for cracks in the Faroe Islands defense throughout the match. Kuč’s shot was described as a powerful effort that caught the goalkeeper off guard, sending the home fans into a frenzy.
"Kuč’s last-minute goal brought the win to Montenegro," a local sports reporter stated, emphasizing the significance of the moment. The entire squad celebrated jubilantly, knowing they had managed to refine their strategy under pressure, turning a potential draw into a vital victory.
Montenegro, which showed grit and resilience throughout the match, had previously struggled in earlier fixtures. Coming into this match, they had a renewed optimism, evident from their gameplay which progressively became more aggressive. The fans within the stadium, propelled by their team’s desire for World Cup qualification, provided resounding support, encouraging the players to give their all right until the final whistle.
On the other side, the Faroe Islands team fought hard but could not capitalize on their chances. Their defense held strong for most of the match, with goalkeeper Lamahauge making several crucial saves. However, the late goal marked a bittersweet moment in what was otherwise a disciplined performance from the visiting side.
The match concluded with the scoreline reflecting Montenegro’s ability to seize the critical moment, while the Faroe Islands lamented the missed opportunity. As Montenegro looks ahead in the qualification campaign, this match will certainly be remembered as a turning point, reinforcing their determination to qualify for the World Cup.
As the qualifiers continue, Montenegro's victory serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football, where every second counts. The team will need to maintain this momentum if they wish to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup, taking lessons from this game to bolster their strategy in upcoming fixtures.
