The Serbian men’s water polo team (players under 20) finished the European Championship in Varna in sixth place, after being defeated by Hungary in the match for fifth place after performing five-pointers with a score of 20:19 (4:3, 4:4, 3:3, 3:4 – penalties 6:5).
Coach Miloš Korolija’s team fought a great and uncertain battle with the Hungarians throughout the match. The opponent had a minimal advantage of 4:3 after the first quarter, while the second period ended with a draw of 4:4, so Hungary went into the break with an 8:7 lead.
The third quarter was also evenly matched and ended with a score of 3:3, so Hungary led 11:10 before the last eight minutes.
Serbia managed to catch up with its rivals in the final. Our water polo players won the last quarter 4:3 and tied the score at 14:14, so the winner and fifth place were decided after the five-pointers.
In the uncertain penalty shootout, Hungary was more successful with 6:5, for a final score of 20:19.
The most efficient player for the Serbian national team was Luigi Canepa with four goals. Filip Novaković, Miljan Đokanović and Strahinja Krstić each scored two goals, while Novak Lazić, Kosta Bodiroga, Vasilije Pakaški and Pavle Papić each scored one goal.
For Hungary, Balog was the top scorer with six goals, Benedek scored three, Monostori two, while Tot, Szimon and Bela scored one goal each.
Serbia thus finished the European Under-20 Championship in Varna in sixth place.
Hungary – Serbia 20:19 (4:3, 4:4, 3:3, 3:4 – penalties 6:5)
Hungary: Sitas, Balog 6, Tot 1, Simon 1, Cech, Monostori 2, Benedek 3, Nagy, Haverkampf, Payan, Lugosi, Mazer, Bela 1, Jambor.
Serbia: Savic, Novakovic 2, Neskovic, Conkic, Kojic, Lazic 1, Bodiroga 1, Djokanovic 2, Pakaski 1, Krstic 2, Kanepa 4, Kosanovic, Micanovic, Papic 1.
