Israel is archived, Serbian players turn to the duel with France on Friday at 20:30. It is a rival that should not be underestimated. This generation remembers the defeat in the round of 16 of the European Championship in Split 2022, but also the great victory to advance to the quarterfinals in a full Parisian Bercy.
Strahinja Rašović said at a media briefing:
– No one got injured against Israel, that’s the most important thing. We wanted to preserve our strength, rest and of course win. We succeeded in that. Victory was not in question. We turned to France. The system is such that there is no rest for the first-placed team. We are going for three wins, we have great self-confidence after Spain. Energy and defense are the most important for the continuation of the competition. Defense, I repeat, must be our trump card in all matches. France has Vernois, everything revolves around him. Kobeszczak is on the bench, they have several excellent players from Marseille. There is no relaxation, they are a serious rival. The match in Trebinje was a preparation, the cards were not revealed. I remember that match in Split when they beat us in the round of 16 at the European Championship. In Paris, we played directly for a place. Those were crucial matches, we have to be careful. It’s a pleasure to play in Belgrade, I believe the stands will be even fuller. It means a lot to us. We gain strength in difficult moments.
Sava Randjelovic played against the French several times:
– I expect a win. We are better quality, they have rejuvenated compared to Paris. We also saw each other in Trebinje. If we enter the match like we did against Spain, there is no question of a winner. We know where the strongest are, we will prepare. We are used to such a hard rhythm, although there are no longer any major breaks for the group champions. Mandić, our only left-handed player, is not in the team yet. But let him rest for the most important matches. It doesn’t matter who scores the goals, it is important that they have them and that we win. The goals come from the defense. Vernois will be the best defender. The French center is strong and explosive. I believe that there will be the right defenders. This schedule of matches suits me. If we beat the French, then with a victory against the Hungarians we would be very, very close to the semi-finals. It is clear that we can play even better. The right thing to do is to follow and we will be ready.
Radomir Drašović is the current first team player for the top French club Marseille:
– We had some great moments but also things that, primarily in the approach to the match, we need to fix. This applies to the Netherlands and Israel. There is no room for any mistakes now and a lack of aggressiveness and will in every segment of the game. We are taking it step by step. We know the French, we were in the preparations and at the tournament in Trebinje. They are rejuvenated, they are strong swimmers, they play without pressure. Spain is an example of how to play. We miss Mandić in every way. He is with us, he advises us, he contributes to creating an atmosphere, but we have to adapt to this situation. We don’t have a left-hander in the team, but we have other assets in all positions and it’s not too much of a burden. I play in Marseille, I got close to them. I know some of the players from before, like the Verneuil brothers and Boue. There are not many secrets. Tom Verneuil is a modern water polo player, he has all the qualities. We know how to play against him. He loves Marseille, that’s why he doesn’t play for another stronger European club. Marseille is growing and he wants to do great things with his home club. If you ask me to evaluate our three matches, let it be a week. Now we are only focused on France, there is time for Hungary. I returned to the national team, playing in Belgrade. It’s a beautiful feeling and it will stay that way until the end.
