The Serbian men’s water polo team, players under 20, after a great fight, was defeated by Croatia with a score of 13:14 (4:4, 2:3, 3:4, 4:3) in the quarterfinals of the European Championship in Varna.
Coach Miloš Korolija’s team was in the game for a place in the semifinals until the very end, but Croatia managed to maintain a minimal advantage and earn a place among the four best teams in the championship.
The first quarter was evenly matched and ended with a score of 4:4. Croatia was a goal better in the second half and went into the break with a minimal lead – 7:6.
The rival increased its lead in the third quarter. Croatia won that period of the game 4:3, and led 11:9 before the last eight minutes.
Serbia did not give up and in the last quarter tried to make up for the deficit. Our water polo players won the final period 4:3, but they were unable to equalize, so Croatia won 14:13 after a great and uncertain fight.
The most efficient player for the Serbian national team was Miljan Đokanović with four goals, while Filip Novaković and Luigi Canepa scored three each. Vuk Kojić, Novak Lazić and Uroš Adamović scored once each.
Serbia – Croatia 13:14 (4:4, 2:3, 3:4, 4:3)
SERBIA: Savic, Novakovic 3, Neskovic, Conkic, Kojic 1, Lazic 1, Djokanovic 4, Pakaski, Adamovic 1, Krstic, Kanepa 3, Kosanovic, Micanovic, Papic.
CROATIA: Špilar, Dragosevic, Jerkovic 2, Susic 4, Burburan 4, Dondivic, Curkovic, Zilic, Fajkovic 1, Dobric, Toncinic 2, Dragas 1, Batos, Skejic.
