Croatia thrashes South Africa to reach last 16 at World Championship

Croatia prepare to take on South Africa at the 21st World Aquatics Championships at the Aspire Dome in Doha (Qatar)(Photo credit: HVS/Andrea Masini/DBM)

DOHA, 9 February 2024 – Croatia has won its 3rd round match of Group A at the Water Polo World Championship in Doha on Friday. 

As expected, Croatia thrashed a weak South Africa side 29-6 (7-2, 7-1, 7-3, 8-0).

Coach Ivica Tucak decided to rest two centres, Lončar and Vrlić, who played both matches in Doha. Instead, captain Ivan Krapić and Matias Biljaka were in the lineup.

Mate Anic of Croatia (Photo credit: HVS/Andrea Masini/DBM)

Also, Mate Anić was given a chance in goal ahead of incumbent Marko Bijač, who was also rested. 

Loren Fatovic (Photo credit: HVS/Andrea Masini/DBM)

The top scorer of the match was Jerko Marinić Kragić, who scored five goals, while Ivan Krapić and Franko Lazić scored four goals each. Interestingly, all the Croatian players who participated, except the goalkeeper, scored a goal.

Matias Biljaka and his Croatian teammates (Photo credit: HVS/Andrea Masini/DBM).

Croatia finishes second in the group, behind Spain, and now advances through to the knockout stages. 

Ante Vukicevic (Photo credit: HVS/Andrea Masini/DBM)

Croatia’s Round of 16 match is set to take place on February 11 at 10 AM Croatian time against the winner of today’s match between Brazil and China.