The Serbian national water polo team managed to secure a very dominant victory in the first match of the second phase of the European Championship, defeating France 14\u201310 and thus returning to second place in the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Serbia could not count on Du\u0161an Mandi\u0107 in this match either, but it seems that his absence was not felt too much against a team where Serbia was a huge favorite before the game. The Dolphins were confident from the very start until the end of the match, although the Tricolors did have their chances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With this victory, Serbia managed to return to second place in the group, and thus currently holds a position that promises a semifinal ahead of the clash with Hungary, which could also prove to be crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dolphins had an uncertain and not particularly impressive start, but over time they improved their form and their play, and by halftime they already had a significant advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As was the case in the match against the Netherlands, a somewhat weaker opening and slightly poorer play were evident. However, Serbia also had the good fortune that France does not have the same quality as the Netherlands, which caused problems even for Hungary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the key moments of the match, Serbia performed well both offensively and defensively, so the victory was never in doubt. In terms of scorers, Radomir Dra\u0161ovi\u0107 was the best with three goals, while Strahinja Ra\u0161ovi\u0107, Nikola Jak\u0161i\u0107, and Nikola Dedovi\u0107 each scored two. Milan Glu\u0161ac was solid in goal with five saves, while Filipovi\u0107 had two. For France, Tomas Vernu stood out with four goals, while goalkeeper Hugo Fontani recorded 11 saves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As for the match itself, Serbia was trailing at the very beginning, as Vernu scored for 2\u20131, but then Ra\u0161ovi\u0107, Dedovi\u0107, and \u0106uk brought Serbia a 4\u20132 lead at the end of the first eight minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Already at the start of the second quarter, Serbia connected three goals through Dra\u0161ovi\u0107, Ra\u0161ovi\u0107, and Vico, reaching a commanding 7\u20132, and it seemed that everything was going in Serbia\u2019s favor. The French responded to some extent through the excellent Vernu, for whom Serbia had few solutions, and at halftime Serbia held a 9\u20134 lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vernu reduced the deficit at the opening of the second half, but once again Serbia went on a run to extend the lead to 12\u20135, before Marion-Vernu scored to make it 12\u20136.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Dolphins entered the final eight minutes somewhat uncertainly, allowing the French an opportunity to get back into the game, but Uro\u0161 Stevanovi\u0107 put an end to that with a timeout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the end, Serbia recorded a dominant victory and opened the second phase of the competition with a win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
HUMANITY IN ACTION: Students in the blockade of Subotica collected aid for 13 vulnerable families! (PHOTO)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTESLA STILL SHAPES THE MODERN WORLD TODAY\u201d: Consul General Bozovic opened a conference in New York dedicated to the Serbian scientist! (PHOTO)<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTHEY ASKED ME TO SAY THAT I TESTIFIED FALSELY\u201d: Olgica has been enduring torture for months because she will be on the student list in Bajina Basta!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n BRUSSELS IGNORES THEIR DEMANDS: Truck drivers from Serbia and BiH announced a blockade of all border crossings with Schengen countries!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n