The 2017 world champions in Budapest will play in the semi-final of the same competition held in Gwangju, South Korea this year! The Croatia water polo team topped Germany 10:8 (1-2, 3-1, 3-3, 3-2) in the quarterfinal for their fourth win of this tournament, reports Gol.hr on July 23, 2019.
Croatia’s opponent in the semi-final will be Spain, who eliminated Serbia 12:9, leaving them with no chance of fighting fora medal. Serbia came to the championship without a few first-team standards, and already qualified for the Olympics next year in Tokyo after winning the World League in Belgrade last month. The Croatia water polo team will play Spain in the semis on Thursday at 10 am.
It was harder than expected for Croatia to reach the semi-final against Germany. After they dominated the excellent teams of Australia and the USA in the group stage, they anticipated yet another seamless win. But with a little relaxation and a determined Germany, Croatia’s spot in the semi-final was still uncertain.
In the first quarter Croatia struggled, and after four goals in a row (7:3), they allowed Germany to return to the match and equalize at 7: 7, thus giving one of the world’s weaker water polo teams a convincing shot at a victory.
The experienced Maro Joković, who scored two quick goals in the last quarter, did not allow their dream to become a reality and gave Croatia hope that they would defend their gold medal from 2017.
Along with Joković, two goals were scored by Bušlje and Vukičević, and Bijač was brilliant defending Croatia’s goal.
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