Croatia are the U-19 water polo champions of Europe

(Photo: European Aquatics)

Croatia’s Under-19 water polo team has claimed the title of European Champions.

In a thrilling final on Saturday in Burgas, Bulgaria, they defeated Montenegro 10-8 in a penalty shootout after the match finished 7-7 at the end of the final quarter.

Wonderful news and a beautiful moment from southern Bulgaria. For the first time in the history of continental competition at this age level, Croatia has won the top prize, following two silver medals in 1994 and 2004.

Not only did they win, but they absolutely deserved it, based on their performances throughout the week, in every match, and especially in the final for the gold.

(Photo: European Aquatics)

Our start in Burgas was, as usual, monumental. By the middle of the second quarter, we were 3-0 up (with goals from Šušić and Pavlić), completely shutting down any attempts on our goal.

The defence was outstanding, with numerous blocks, and whatever did get through, captain Mauro Ivan Čubranić was there to stop. The fact that Montenegro only scored their first goal a second before the end of the second quarter says it all. In the third quarter, Montenegro began to make their comeback.

(Photo: European Aquatics)

They are too strong for the game to end that easily. With two goals from Janović and one from the left-handed Stupar, as well as a goal from our Burđelez, Montenegro equalised 4-4 going into the final quarter.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Croatia was once again brilliant in attack. First, Burđelez from long range gave us a 5-4 lead, and then centre Tončinić added another from two metres, with a backhand shot (just like in the semi-final) to make it 6-4.

There were only five minutes left on the clock. However, Montenegro refused to give in, and they seriously threatened to turn the game around. With three consecutive goals, they managed to take the lead for the first time – 7-6 to Montenegro. Less than two minutes remained.

(Photo: European Aquatics)

Stupar intercepted one of our attacks, and Burđelez let the ball slip from his hands, but the team didn’t give up. Exactly 39 seconds before the end, Burđelez scored with a man advantage to equalise at 7-7. The score remained unchanged, leading to penalties. Janović hit the post; Pavlić scored to make it 8-7; Gojković equalised; Burđelez restored our lead at 9-8, and then… Then the best goalkeeper of the European Championship, Mauro Čubranić, took centre stage.

He saved Vučković’s shot, Cuzzi scored to make it 10-8, and Čubranić then saved Stupar’s shot, sending the entire Croatian team into the pool in celebration! We are European champions!!!

The champions of Europe return home on Sunday, 8th September, at 6:05 pm at Zagreb’s Franjo Tuđman Airport. 

(Photo: European Aquatics)

The Croatian Water Polo Federation congratulates our young gold medallists, all the players, members of the coaching staff, and coach Bajić. — Čubranić – Best Goalkeeper of the European Championship There was no doubt. The award for the best goalkeeper of the European Championship went to Croatian captain, Mauro Ivan Čubranić.

Although there was no official award for the top scorer, we know who that was. Of course, Dubrovnik’s own Vlaho Pavlić, with 22 goals throughout the tournament.

(Photo: European Aquatics)

Zoran Bajić, Croatia’s coach: “We believed in this the entire time. We lived it, prepared game by game, and always said that each match was more important and more challenging than the last. We also said these were just stops on the way to Kilimanjaro. In the end, we reached that peak, and I believe we deserved it even more than expected. We played very well, and at times, exceptionally well throughout the tournament. The final was tough, a hard-fought match, with a bit of ‘chess’ and a few mistakes. However, the boys fought, believed until the very last moment, believed in this victory, and in the end, were rewarded for all the hard work and dedication we put into this journey.”