Croatia are world water polo champions again
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo credit: HVS/Giorgio Scala/DBM)
The Croatian water polo team has won the gold medal at the World Championship after beating Italy in the final on Saturday after penalties.
Today was Croatia’s fourth appearance in a World Championship final.
Back in 2007 Croatia won gold in Melbourne by beating Hungary in the final. Their second gold came in Budapest in 2017. In 2015 they won silver in Kazan.
Croatia went out to an early lead but back to back goals from Italy saw them edge ahead 3-2 after the first quarter.
The second quarter was a tight affair, with Croatia coming back to edge in front 5-4 before the Italians would equalise a the end to make it 5-5 at halftime.
The third quarter was another tight one but the Croatians, thanks to a last second save from Marko Bijač, would lead going into the last 8-7.
(Photo credit: HVS/Giorgio Scala/DBM)
Both teams traded goals in a tight final quarter but it was the Italians who edged in front at the death 11-10, but with five seconds remaining, Rina Burić would equaliser to send the final into penalties. Italy would miss two penalties to give Croatia a memorable win 15-13.
Konstantin Harkov (4) and Jerko Marinić-Kragić (3) were top goal scorers for Croatia on the night.
Playing in the final of both the Euros and the World Championship in just a month was an impressive feat for Ivica Tucak’s side. Last month Croatia lost to Spain in the Euros final to claim silver.
