The Croatia water polo team won the Europa Cup in Rijeka last year, and now, they have an opportunity to defend the title against Hungary in Zagreb on Sunday.
After Friday’s victory against Greece, the Croatia water polo team was better than the national team of Spain in the semi-finals, and has thus advanced to the Europa Cup final after winning 12-9 (4-3, 1-2, 3-3, 4-1) at the Mladost swimming pool in Zagreb, reports Gol.hr on April 6, 2019.
It was an equal match in the first three quarters, and it wasn’t until the very end that Croatia broke their opponent with three goals after a tied result of 9-9.
Loren Fatović was the most effective for Croatia with three goals, Luka Lončar, Maro Joković, Ante Vukičević and Andre Bušlje each scored two goals, while Javier Garcia scored one goal. The most efficient for Spain was Alberto Munarriz, Alberto Barroso and Felipe Perrone with two goals.
Last year, Croatia won the Europa Cup in Rijeka and will now have the opportunity to defend the title against Hungary, who was better than Italy in the other semi-final match 12-11.
Serbia and Montenegro will play for fifth place. Serbia was better than Greece 14-10, while Montenegro defeated Russia 15-9.
"It was a great match, a real battle. My boys once again demonstrated why they are world champions," Croatia coach Ivica Tucak said after the game.
"Every game is a new story, and tomorrow's final will be different. Hungary played fantastic against Italy, they are our old rivals, but we want to defend the title,” added Tucak.
With this victory, Croatia has also qualified for the World League finals, which will be held from June 18 to 23 in Belgrade. The winner of the World League finals is ensured a place at the Olympic Games next year in Tokyo.
Croatia and Hungary will meet in the final on Sunday, while Italy and Spain will play for third place.
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