The Serbian national water polo team became European champions for the sixth time since independence. Our “Dolphins” torpedoed their biggest rival, Hungary, in a spectacular final at the Belgrade “Arena,” winning 10:7 (3:2, 2:3, 2:1, 3:1).
After eight years, our water polo team are European champions once again. Previously, we won gold in 2006, 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018.
This is the third gold won in Belgrade, after 2006 and 2016, and now in 2026 as well.
Dušan Mandić scored four goals, and not only that—he was also a pillar of the defense.
Nikola Lukić scored two goals, while Đorđe Lazić, Radomir Drašović, Nemanja Vico, and Vasilije Martinović each added one.
Of course, young goalkeeper Milan Glušac deserves special mention. In his debut at the European Championship, at just 23 years of age, Glušac guarded the goal brilliantly throughout the tournament, and recorded 11 saves in the final.
For Hungary, Vendel Vigvári scored three goals, while Ákos Nagy, János Fekete, Szilárd Jansik, and Vince Varga each found the net once.
This was a tough, true final match between the two most decorated water polo nations in the world.
The first half was completely even, with changes in the lead and very few goals.
In the second half, Serbia took a two-goal lead for the first time, but failed to capitalize on chances to pull away and decide the final earlier.
On the other end, Milan Glušac shone in goal, with saves that simply demoralized the Hungarians.
At the right moment, Dušan Mandić caught fire in attack. His spectacular goal between three Hungarian players may well have decided the match.
By the end, our team’s lead grew to 10:6, before the rivals managed to reduce the deficit in the closing moments.
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Source: Serbian Times Foto: Aleksandar Dimitrijević (Sportal)