The Serbian men’s water polo team, players under 20, was defeated by Spain after a five-point shootout with a score of 16:14 (3:3, 2:3, 1:4, 6:2 – penalties 4:2), in the first round of Group B of the European Championship in Varna.
Coach Miloš Korolija’s team played very well in the first three quarters and had a four-goal lead heading into the final eight minutes. After a tied first period (3:3), Serbia won the second with a score of 3:2, and in the third it was even more convincing – 4:1, leading 10:6 before the decisive period.
Spain, however, managed to catch up in the final quarter. The opponent won the final period with a score of 6:2 and tied the score at 12:12, so the winner was decided after the execution of five-pointers.
The Spanish were more successful in the penalty shootout, winning 4:2 and thus achieving victory at the start of the championship.
The most efficient player in the Serbian national team was Vasilije Pakaski with three goals, while Strahinja Krstic and Pavle Papic scored two each. Filip Novakovic, Strahinja Neskovic, Vuk Kojic, Miljan Đokanovic and Uroš Adamovic scored once each.
Serbia will face their second match in Group B on Tuesday, when they will play against Germany at 1:30 p.m., while their rival will be Montenegro on Wednesday at the same time.
Spain – Serbia 16:14 (3:3, 2:3, 1:4, 6:2 – penalties 4:2)
SPAIN: Serrano, Gomila 2, Nunez, Perone 6, Prada, Vinas, Lema, Granados, Garcia, Sabadell 2, Marti 1, Rodriguez 1, Pina, Cario.
SERBIA: Savic, Novakovic 1, Neskovic 1, Conkic, Kojic 1, Lazic, Bodiroga, Djokanovic 1, Pakaski 3, Adamovic 1, Krstic 2, Kanepa, Kosanovic, Papic 2.
