“Two and a Half Quarters of Action Against Serbia Propel Team to the Quarterfinals”
Montenegro’s water polo team is pictured before their match against Serbia in Otopeni, Photo: Aniko Kovacs/VPSCG
The Montenegrin water polo players are set for another challenge with a new coach as they aim to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the World Cup qualifying tournament. They will compete against France in this crucial match.
The game will take place in Otopeni, located approximately twenty kilometers from Bucharest, which is known for having Romania’s largest airport. The match is scheduled to start at 16:30.
As Montenegro prepares to host the Superfinal for this tournament, the result of this match holds no significant value for Dejan Savić’s squad. Nevertheless, the trophy-laden coach has made it clear that he expects a serious performance from his players, following their previous two games in Romania.
“This game won’t be easy, particularly because France boasts several outstanding athletes, including exceptional shooter Ugo Kruzija and Toma Vernu, who is arguably the most dominant player in the world at this time,” noted Vlado Popadić, a key player under Savić.
He pointed out the match’s significance for their opponents.
“For France, this match is critical as it could be their ticket to the World Cup. They will undoubtedly approach the game with full intensity in their quest for further qualification. However, if we replicate the first two and a half quarters of our previous match, I believe we will have no issues with Serbia,” emphasized Popadić.
Aljoša Mačić also acknowledges the challenges ahead in this matchup.
“We are bracing for a tough game against a high-caliber opponent who aims to prove their skills, having reached the semi-finals of the last World Championship,” said Mačić.
The opponent is certainly familiar to them…
“We’ve faced them multiple times, and I believe we possess the superior quality. We need to exploit their defensive weaknesses and effectively neutralize a few key players,” Mačić concluded.
World Cup, playoffs
Spain – Serbia (15:00)
Montenegro – France (16:30)
Georgia – Romania (18:00)
The quarter-finals
Greece – Japan
Hungary – Georgia/Romania
USA – Montenegro/France
Croatia – Spain/Serbia
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