Montenegro Football Team Suffers Heavy Loss in Faroe Islands

The Montenegro national football team faced a severe defeat on October 10, 2023, losing 4-0 to the Faroe Islands in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match. This loss marks a troubling continuation of poor performances for the team, raising questions about its future and competitive standing.

Montenegro’s defeat came as a shock, particularly as they had narrowly beaten the same opponent earlier this year, securing a 1-0 victory in March. The recent match on the North Atlantic archipelago has intensified scrutiny of the team’s capabilities, especially given that the Faroe Islands rank 136th on the FIFA list. This was Montenegro’s second consecutive 4-0 loss, following a similar result against Croatia, and the team has now gone three matches without scoring.

“We have to face the reality of our situation. We’ve been struggling for too long,” said team captain Stefan Savić after the match. The team has now endured nine consecutive away losses and a total of ten matches without a win, a stark contrast to their previous competitive achievements. The loss has left many fans and analysts questioning whether Montenegro’s football structure can recover from this downward spiral.

Coaching Decisions Under Scrutiny

The defeat also highlighted issues within the coaching staff. Mirko Vučić, who is in his first term as head coach, faced criticism for failing to make tactical adjustments during the match. Despite trailing 2-0 at halftime, he did not substitute any players, a decision that left the team stagnant and unable to respond effectively to the Faroe Islands’ gameplay.

“The first goal was a turning point for us. Until then, we were not playing that poorly, but we need to be better to move forward,” said midfielder Marko Šimun, who made his debut during this match. He expressed hope that the team could learn from this experience, despite the painful outcome.

The coaching strategy employed a 3-5-2 formation, reminiscent of tactics used by Antonio Conte during their time together at Juventus. Critics argue that this approach is misaligned with the current strengths of the Montenegro squad, particularly in the absence of key players.

Looking Ahead

As Montenegro prepares for upcoming matches, including a friendly against Liechtenstein and a qualifying match against Gibraltar, there is a pressing need for a comprehensive reset. The team must focus on rejuvenating its roster and adjusting its strategies to foster a renewed sense of hope.

Fan disappointment is palpable, as many had anticipated a stronger showing in the current qualifying campaign. With the team likely to finish fourth in their group, behind even the Faroe Islands, it becomes increasingly crucial for the coaching staff to assess their strategies and player selections moving forward.

The challenge remains significant. Montenegro’s football community is left to ponder how far the team has fallen and what steps will be necessary to restore its reputation. The upcoming fixtures provide an opportunity for reflection and change, but without substantial improvements, the path to future success appears daunting.

In the long run, Montenegro’s football ambitions, including aspirations for the UEFA Euro 2028, will require a fundamental shift in approach and performance. The recent defeat serves as a sobering reminder of the work that lies ahead for the national team.