Serbia deservedly lost to the USA in the first round of the group from which only the winner gains the right to play in the final tournament of the World Cup in Sydney. The team of former Serbian coach Dejan Udovicic won 14:12 (1:3, 5:1, 4:4, 4:4). The Serbian player was 18-7, the American 6 – 2. With two goals with a player more and one from the five-point field goal, the Americans scored 11 times, while Serbia only did so five times. Without energy, strength and patience, it was impossible to fight against a rival who played his game from start to finish, used everything that was offered to him and completely deserved to win.
The Americans had suffered three defeats and Serbia was still considered the favorite despite two. That’s how the game started. The defense left the opponent to long-range shots, the offense found a way to cope with persistent and strong pressing. Trtović was in high spirits, his two goals from goals by Lukić and Dimitrijević gave Serbia a seemingly secure 4:1 lead in the 10th minute. Not long after, Jakšić hit the crossbar from the penalty spot and that was a sign in two directions.
Serbia’s game disappeared and, as in previous matches, a large number of goals were conceded in a short period of time. The Americans scored five goals in three minutes and nullified all the good that had adorned the Serbs until then.
The continuation brought a chase for the difference, but without defense and with a bad player, it was no longer possible. The calm and combative Americans led by four goals less than three minutes before the end. Gladović, the best in that part with three goals, reduced it to 10:8, leaving hope that something could change. In the middle of the quarter, Glušac was replaced by Mišović. None of that helped, Glušac returned to the game in the last part. On the other side, the American defense seemed safe, especially with one player less, Weinberg, unlike our goalkeepers, was at close to 50 percent defense.
Ryder Dodd played a simultaneous game in the last part. Serbia had an extra player, but it was not a wall in front of its own goal, so the rival led 12:8, 13:9, 14:10 and in the end, when everything was decided, Krstić and Martinović mitigated the defeat.
The Netherlands and Croatia are also playing in the group today. There will be a break in the tournament on Good Friday, after which Serbia will face the Netherlands on Saturday and Croatia on Sunday.
Serbia – USA 12:14 (3:1, 1:5, 4:4, 4:4)
Referees: Margeta (Slovenia), Erce (Hungary). Player more: Serbia 18 -7, USA 6 – 2. Peterci: Serbia 3 (2), USA 1 (1).
Serbia: Misovic, Pljevancic, Stanojevic, Lukic 2, Lazic, Milojevic, Trtovic 2, Jaksic, Krstic, Gladovic 3, Urosevic, Dimitrijevic 1, Glusac, Martinovic 3.
USA: Weinberg, Brinkema 1, Vavic 1, Saveljic 2, Daub 2, Castillo, Lehti, Taylor, C.Dodd 2, R. Dodd 5, Irving, Mills, All, Brown 1.
