Major comeback in Podgorica: Montenegro beat Cyprus 2-1 in Nations League opener

A big night in Podgorica. Montenegro’s national team opened the new Nations League campaign with a win, overturning Cyprus 2-1 at the stadium under Gorica in an emotion-filled match in front of thousands of fans, as Vijesti reports.

The first half was total dominance from the “Sokoli”. Mirko Vučinić’s men controlled 72 percent of possession and shot 13 times at the opposition goal, but the ball simply wouldn’t go in. Stefan Savić, Adam Marušić and Nikola Krstović all tried without success, while Cyprus defended with everything it had.

After the break came the shock. In the 55th minute, Cyprus took the lead, exploiting a moment of inattention in the Montenegrin defence, just minutes after Edvards’ shot had struck the woodwork. Silence in the stands.

The response was swift. In the 64th minute, Marko Vešović won a penalty and Nikola Krstović took responsibility: his spot-kick in the 66th minute hit the post and ended up in the net — 1-1, and the stadium erupted.

The comeback was completed in the 86th minute. Marko Janković crossed from the right, Krstović flicked it on with his head and a free Milutin Osmajić scored the winner — 2-1 for Montenegro, in delirious scenes among the fans.

It is Montenegro’s first victory in a long time in official competitions and the first three points in Nations League C. On Monday, the “Sokoli” play away to Armenia, with morale high and the belief that this campaign could be different.