The Serbian national water polo team suffered its first defeat at the European Championship in Belgrade. Montenegro was better than the Dolphins in the last round of Group E, winning with a score of 15:13.
Serbia did not display the play that brought it victories over Spain and Hungary. Energy was lacking in a match that had no competitive significance, given that it was already known that the Olympic champions, as the first-placed team from Group E, would secure a place in the semifinals.
Ranđelović took advantage of a rebound off the post and scored the first goal of the game, but the Montenegrins immediately showed they would sell their skin dearly. After Matković’s goal, they even reached a lead of 3:2. However, captain Jakšić reacted quickly and returned the score to a tie with a powerful shot.
The “Sharks” had the lead once more in the first period, but Serbia gradually took control. The defense was firmer, Glušac was secure in goal, and in the attack, Martinović scored for 6:4. Vučković reduced it to 6:5 with his third goal, which was the result of the first quarter.
At the start of the second period, Montenegro reached an equalizer from a penalty, but Mandić returned the lead to the “Dolphins” in his recognizable style. The Serbian water polo players then increased the pressure in defense, took the initiative in attack, and led 8:6.
The great struggle continued in the second part of the second quarter, and the Montenegrin goalkeeper Tešanović also stood out. However, Martinović managed to beat him and bring Serbia a 10:8 lead. The result remained the same at halftime, as Glušac caught a “live ball.”
At the beginning of the third period, Filipović defended well, while our water polo players struggled in attack. The first goal in this period of the game was scored only two and a half minutes before the end, when Lazić shook the net for 11:10.
The end of the third quarter was also marked by a challenge from coach Stevanović, after which a penalty was awarded to Serbia due to a foul on Viktor Rašović. Mandić was secure from five meters – 12:11. However, before the last eight minutes, the score was tied (12:12), thanks to a goal by Gojković.
Mandić again took advantage of a player up and brought Serbia a 13:12 lead with a beautiful goal. Then there was a long wait for a new goal, and Stupar equalized at 13:13. Two minutes before the end, Montenegro, with a goal by Matković, also reached a lead.
Serbia did not manage to organize attacks calmly and get clear shots, but Stevanović significantly helped the team with a new challenge – it was determined that the goal by Montenegro was preceded by a foul, so the goal was not recognized. Filipović then recorded an important save, but there was no change in the score on the other side. Vučković finally confirmed Montenegro’s victory.
We remind you, Serbia plays the next match on Friday, when the semifinal matches are on the schedule. They will find out their rival after the end of the last round in Group F and the duel between Italy and Croatia.
MORE TOPICS:
Source: Sportal, Photo: Dusan Milenkovic/ ATAImages