The Serbian men’s water polo team (players under 20) advanced to the quarterfinals of the European Championship in Varna, after defeating Montenegro 17:15 (4:5, 3:2, 5:3, 2:4 – penalties 3:1) in the final round of Group B after a five-point shootout.
Coach Miloš Korolija’s team fought a great battle with the Montenegrins throughout the match. Montenegro had a minimal lead of 5:4 after the first quarter, but Serbia fought back in the second half, which they won 3:2, so the score was tied at halftime – 7:7.
Serbia had its best period of the game in the third quarter. The young Serbian water polo players scored five goals, conceded three, and entered the last eight minutes with a 12:10 lead.
Montenegro managed to make up for the deficit in the final quarter. They won the last quarter 4:2 and tied the score at 14:14, so the winner was decided after five-pointers.
In the penalty shootout, Serbia was more confident and won 3:1, for a final score of 17:15 and their second victory in the championship.
The most efficient player in the Serbian national team was Miljan Đokanović with five goals. Filip Novaković, Strahinja Nešković, Vuk Kojić and Strahinja Krstić each scored twice, while Novak Lazić scored one goal.
After losing to Spain after a penalty shootout and a convincing victory against Germany, Serbia secured one of the top two spots in Group B and a direct qualification to the quarterfinals of the European Championship with a triumph over Montenegro.
Serbia finished the group stage in second place.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for Friday, August 14. Serbia will play at 5:00 p.m. Serbian time, against the winner of the Croatia – France match.
Montenegro – Serbia 15:17 (5:4, 2:3, 3:5, 4:2 – penalties 1:3)
MONTENEGRO: Rajević, Matijašević 1, Vranes 1, Durutović 1, Kovacić, Dabić, Moračanin 4, Petrović 1, Perov, Gojković 3, Radanović 1, Pejović, Samardžić 2, Todorović.
SERBIA: Savic, Novakovic 2, Neskovic 2, Conkic, Kojic 2, Lazic 1, Djokanovic 5, Pakaski, Adamovic, Krstic 2, Kanepa, Kosanovic, Micanovic, Papic.
