Croatia to open World Water Polo Champs against Australia 

(Photo: HVS)

Croatia will open their 2024 World Water Polo Championship campaign against Australia. 

Pqreperations have ended in Rovinj and now the team will head to Doha in their quest for victory.

“We consider our upcoming match against Australia the most crucial of the tournament,” emphasised coach Ivica Tucak, highlighting the significance of their upcoming challenges.

“This is even more critical than the European Championship, where we fell short of our primary goal—qualifying for the Paris Olympics,” Tucak added. With two key players, Popadić and Bukić, sidelined due to surgeries, captain Ivan Krapić and backup goalkeeper Mate Anić join the squad for the championship.

In a challenging group alongside Australia, South Africa, and Spain, Croatia anticipates tough competition. 

Despite the hurdles, the team remains resolute, aiming to secure a direct path to the quarterfinals—a gateway to the Paris Olympics.

Captain Ivan Krapić remains optimistic about Croatia’s Olympic prospects. “Our qualification for the Olympics is within reach,” he affirmed, drawing confidence from their collective efforts and determination.

Over the next three days, the Croatian team will fine-tune their strategies in Dubai before heading to Doha. Training matches against Italy and Greece form the core of their preparation.

(Photo credit: HVS / Tomislav Franić)

Croatia earlier this month claimed silver in the European Championships, losing a close final to Spain in Zagreb. 

Croatian Water Polo Squad:

Marko Bijač, Mate Anić
Josip Vrlić, Ivan Krapić, Luka Lončar
Rino Burić, Matias Biljaka, Marko Žuvela
Konstantin Harkov, Filip Kržić, Franko Lazić, Zvonimir Butić, Ante Vukičević, Jerko Marinić Kragić, Loren Fatović

Group Stage Schedule:

Match 1: Croatia vs. Australia (February 5, 11:30 AM Croatian time)

Match 2: Spain vs. Croatia (February 7, 5:00 PM Croatian time)

Match 3: South Africa vs. Croatia (February 9, 2:00 PM Croatian time)