The Serbian women’s water polo team, players under 18, took 16th place at the World Championship in Puerto de la Cruz, after being defeated by Brazil in the match for 15th place after a dramatic finish with a score of 17:16 (4:5, 4:3, 4:7, 5:1).
Coach Dejan Bozic’s team started the game well and led 5:4 after the first quarter. Brazil was one goal better in the second period, so the team went into the break tied at 8:8.
Serbia’s best performance came in the third quarter. The Serbian water polo team scored seven goals in that period and won 7:4, entering the last eight minutes with a three-goal lead – 15:12.
In the last quarter, Brazil reduced the deficit to 15:14 with two goals, but Masha Ćuk scored a five-pointer for Serbia’s new two-goal lead – 16:14. The Brazilians then scored three consecutive goals. Malardo first reduced the deficit to 16:15, Vaz tied the score two minutes and 19 seconds before the end, while Moura scored with a player more 24 seconds before the end of the game for the final 17:16.
The most efficient player for the Serbian national team was Jana Pejić with four goals. Maša Ćuk, Nika Ratković and Elena Ćuk scored three each, Jana Janković two, and Danica Balać one goal. Brazil was led by Nascimento with six goals, while Moura scored three.
Brazil – Serbia 17:16 (4:5, 4:3, 4:7, 5:1)
Brazil: Gonsalves, Dos Santos 2, Vaz 2, De Luna, Kampmann, Rodriguez 1, De Castro 2, Nascimento 6, Moura 3, Mallardo 1, Mendes, Magaljes, Busso, Lara.
Serbia: Petkovic, Trbanos, Zagar, Pejic 4, Balac 1, Masha Cuk 3, Klikovac, Ratkovic 3, Jankovic 2, Elena Cuk 3, Pekovic, Jelenic, Djuric, Kovacevic.
Referees: Garcia Soto (Venezuela), Tanik (Turkey).
Player more: Brazil 5/9, Serbia 7/10.
Peterci: Brazil 2/3, Serbia 2/2.
