Serbia\u2019s water polo players defeated Spain 12\u201311 this evening in the second match of the group stage of the European Championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Spaniards, as the reigning world and European champions, entered the duel after demolishing Israel 28\u20133, while our team knew that a loss in this match, with only minimal chances, would most likely still see them advance to the main phase of the competition. With great determination, head coach Uro\u0161 Stevanovi\u0107 and the players entered this clash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the duel did not start well, as Munariz relatively quickly gave the opponent a 2\u20130 lead, but that was the only one. It seemed, however, that this only motivated our players. \u0106uk and Strahinja Ra\u0161ovi\u0107 had already equalized at 2\u20132 halfway through the quarter, and Martinovi\u0107 brought us the first lead after five minutes of water polo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stronger defenses until the break resulted in a tie at the end of the first quarter, as only Munariz scored, and then in the second period we began to create a gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Martinovi\u0107 and \u0106uk made it 4\u20133 and 5\u20134, and after excellent saves by goalkeeper Glu\u0161ac, Strahinja Ra\u0161ovi\u0107 gave our team the first two-goal lead at 6\u20134. The half ended with a goal by Larumbe for 6\u20135.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the start of the second half we also took a 9\u20136 lead, as Strahinja Ra\u0161ovi\u0107 and a teammate scored for 9\u20136, but we went into the final short break with the score at 9\u20137.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the first minute of the fourth quarter, we saw a decision by referee Stavridis that shook everything up: Mandi\u0107 did indeed strike the Spanish water polo player in the pool quite hard, received a so-called brutality call, and by the rules we played with a man down for the next four minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That allowed the opponent back into the game. We maintained the lead for a while, thanks to Martinovi\u0107\u2019s penalty for 10\u20138, but then a turnaround followed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With about two minutes to go, the opponent took the lead, but then the heroic heart of our team emerged once again. We played a couple of good defenses, Strahinja Ra\u0161ovi\u0107 equalized with 58 seconds remaining, and Viktor Ra\u0161ovi\u0107 scored the goal for 12\u201311 with six seconds left!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After this match, Serbia leads the group with 5 points, which we carry into the next phase. The Netherlands now has four, while Spain is on three. Israel was eliminated with zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We already know that in the next phase we will face Hungary, Montenegro, and France, and we will first play an exhibition match against Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
BORN ON CHRISTMAS, DIED ON CHRISTMAS EVE: The Oldest Resident of the Zlatibor Region, Grandpa Petar, Passes Away at 101!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n WITHOUT POWER SINCE CHRISTMAS EVE: Residents of Krupanj Villages Furious at the State, Elderly, Sick, and Children at Risk!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n U.S. SENATE CONSIDERS BILL TO IMPOSE 500% TARIFFS ON COUNTRIES CONTINUING TO BUY RUSSIAN ENERGY<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n