Croatian Water Polo has secured a place in the World Championships Final after defeating Serbia 12:11 in a dramatic comeback at Plivalište u Zagrebu. In the semi-final match, Croatia played before packed stands near Savu, with spectators and on the balcony around the pool, in an expected yet uncertain, tight encounter against Serbia. The Croatian coach, Bruno Sabioni, admitted that Serbia was better for most of the first two quarters. They led early in both halves by 5:2, but first Domazet broke through from the penalty corner, followed by goalkeeper Luko Vezilić saving a counter-attack, allowing Deni Sappe to reduce the deficit.
However, after several days, Croatia did indeed turn the game around. In the last minute of the third quarter, Toni Cvitan gave them their first lead at 9:8. Then, in the final quarter, the match went 'goal for goal', but Serbia was again leading (9:10, 10:11), until finally, just before the end, Ante Domazet scored first for Croatia (11:11), and then Vito Lok secured the victory with a last-minute goal (12:11).
A special tribute goes to the two heroes in our ranks. Andrija Bujas was celebrating his 16th birthday on match day, while goalkeeper Luko Vezilić will celebrate his 16th birthday in the final.
On Sunday at 8 PM, Croatia faces Spain, which is just better in penalty corners, with a 7-meter shot in the 5th round, defeating the USA 17:16.
