The Serbian U-18 water polo team failed to advance to the semifinals of the World Championship in Portugal, after being defeated by Spain 16:10 (5:1, 4:3, 5:3, 2:3) in the quarterfinals.
Spain started the match better and gained an advantage after the first quarter, which put Serbia in a difficult position. The Serbian team continued to try to catch the ball, but failed to get a series that would have turned the match into a more uncertain one.
After the first eight minutes, Spain led 5:1, and by halftime, the lead had increased to 9:4. Serbia had better periods of play in the second half, especially in the last quarter, but the deficit from the earlier part of the match was too great.
The most efficient player in the Serbian national team was Zelić with three goals, while Pavlović and Munćan scored two each. Nešković, Rahpejma and Đorđević added one goal each.
In the Spanish team, Martin was the most effective with five goals, while Sanchez and Kombelja scored three each. Serbia will continue the competition in the play-off for fifth to eighth place, and their next opponent will be Italy, on Friday, July 3, at 4:30 p.m.
