2018 European Water Polo Championship: Croatia Reach Semi-Finals

Croatia into the semi-finals (HVS)

Croatia into the semi-finals. 

Croatia advanced through to the semi-finals at the 2018 Men’s European Water Polo Championship in Barcelona, Spain.

Croatia, who are the current world champions, had to come from behind to beat Montenegro in the quarterfinal on Tuesday.

(HVS)

Ivica Tucak’s side turned only managed one goal in the opening quarter and was down 4-2 at half-time but they turned up the tempo in the second half and finally took the lead for the first time in the match 7-6 after 25 minutes at the start of the final quarter.

Croatia managed to hold on to their lead and took out the hard-fought match 9-7.

“It was a really difficult match today, but we expected that. The victory is another step on our path towards our goal. We came here to win gold. We will rest now and prepare for the semi-final,” coach Tucak said at the end of the match.

(HVS)

Croatia is unbeaten so far in the tournament after group wins over Netherlands (18-8), Turkey (23-2) and Greece (11-7). In the semi-final, Croatia will meet Serbia who overcame Hungary in the earlier quarterfinal 8-5.

Spain, Greece, Italy and Russia will play their quarterfinal matches tomorrow.