Croatian water polo team win Olympic silver medal
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo: HVS/Giorgio Scala/DBM)
PARIS, 11 August 2024 – Croatia has won the silver medal in the water polo tournament at the Paris Olympics.
Croatia, led by coach Ivica Tucak, lost to rivals Serbia in the final on Sunday afternoon 13-11 to claim the silver medal.
Croatia has now won three Olympic silver medals, the other two coming in Rio de Janeiro 2016 and Atlanta in 1996.
They also have one Olympic gold medal from London in 2012.
Croatia made a good start but after taking an early lead it would bee all Serbia in the opening quarter.
(Photo: HVS/Giorgio Scala/DBM)
Serbia were able to easily convert their chances, whilst Croatia struggled to make the most of their attacks. Serbia would lead 5-2 at the end of the quarter.
Croatia started the second quarter well, with Luka Lončar scoring first after a good move. Serbia were quick to reply and with both sides trading goals Serbia would end the quarter 8-5 in front.
Croatia needed a big third quarter to get back into the game but just like the previous two quarters they could not get going and allowed Serbia to score at ease.
(Photo: HVS/Giorgio Scala/DBM)
Croatia had one final quarter to peg back a 11-8 deficit but in the end it was too tall of a task with Serbia strong in defence and they would have to settle for silver.
Croatia had trouble today making the most of attacks with an extra player and they would pay the price.
For Croatia Jerko Marinić-Kragić scored 3, Loren Fatović 2, Konstantin Kharkov 2, Luka Lončar 1, Maro Joković 1 and Josip Vrlić 2.
Photo credit HVS / Andrea Staccioli (DBM)
Regardless of today’s result, it has been a fantastic tournament for Croatia which saw them defeat favourites Spain as well as a strong Hungary team in the semi-finals.
2024 has been an amazing year as Croatia has played in three finals – the World and European Championships and now the Olympics.
