The scorching heat of Podgorica, accompanied by a sparse crowd at the “Morača” swimming pool, framed a pivotal duel as the Montenegrin water polo team secured their spot at the Paris Olympic Games.

In their final preparation match ahead of their fifth Olympic appearance, the “Sharks” triumphed over Australia, beginning with a score of 12:11 after just five minutes, and eventually finishing the first half tied at 9:9.

Dejan Lazović, our goalkeeper, emerged as the standout player of the match, showcasing several spectacular saves throughout the game and stepping up in the penalty shootout by stopping two crucial shots.

“Australia has been performing well, having recently beaten us in Šabac… There were numerous fluctuations during the game; we are deep into our training regimen and some players had to take breaks. Overall, they need to improve significantly, but we’re pleased with our victory as we look toward Paris,” remarked coach Vladimir Gojković after the match.

Our team started strong, with captains Stefan Vidović, Jovan Vujović, and Lazović quickly leading the score at 2:0 and then 3:1, before Australia began to find their rhythm…

The “Kangaroos” rapidly leveled the score at 3:3, even managing a lead, although Luk Pavillard hit the post during a critical moment.

From then on, it became a back-and-forth battle, with the visitors pulling ahead for the first time at the start of the third quarter, thanks to a goal from Chez Put (6:5).

Montenegro responded impressively – Vujović scored twice, and Aljoša Mačić contributed his first goal, giving our team a two-goal lead once more at 8:6.

However, during crucial moments, Gojković’s players appeared to lose steam, failing to score and ending with a 10-3 tally, which allowed Australia to go on a 3:0 run, regaining the lead at 9:8.

Montenegro persisted, with Vlado Popadić equalizing at 9:9. The “Sharks” had the opportunity to secure a win, but several late-game errors forced a penalty shootout…

Pavilard hit the post again, while Lazović made impressive saves against Miloš Maksimović and Matt Byrnes. Meanwhile, Bogdan Đurđić, Vidović, and Popadić successfully converted their penalties, although Miroslav Perković was the only player who missed for Montenegro.

Vujović concluded the match with three goals, Vidović netted two, and Dušpan Matković, Đuro Radović, Popadić, and Mačić each contributed one goal.

At the Olympic Games, Montenegro will face Croatia, Italy, Romania, Greece, and the United States in their group, with the tournament kicking off on July 28 against Croatia in a local derby.

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