Just over a month since their heartbreaking loss in the European Championship final, notably marked by a stunning last-minute goal from Spain’s Alvaro Granados in Zagreb, the Croatian water polo team made an impressive comeback by clinching the world title.

The “Barracudas” have triumphed for the third time in history after a thrilling match in Doha, overcoming Italy with a score of 15:13 following a tie of 11:11 in regular play.

The standout performers included reserve goalkeeper Mate Anić, who made a crucial save against Franćek di Fulvi in the penultimate round, and Marko Žuvela, who scored the decisive goal for 15:13, remarkably outsmarting Djanmark Nicosia, leading to a grand celebration for the team managed by Ivica Tucak.

Previously, Loren Fatović’s attempt was thwarted by Stefano del Lungo, and Gonzalo Ecenike hit the crossbar.

Croatia secured the victory in the top five with Rino Burić scoring just five seconds before the end. The regular match was fiercely contested, characterized by multiple lead changes and considerable challenges for the “setebel” in offense, particularly during power play situations.

With this gold in Doha, Croatia adds to their previous titles won in 2007 in Melbourne and 2017 in Budapest. Italy, on the other hand, remains with four titles, the last of which was secured in 2019 in Gwangju.

“I’m incredibly happy—this national team has always displayed exceptional morale, commitment, and determination. Sometimes you earn five prizes, sometimes you don’t. This time they succeeded,” Tucak remarked, adding:

“My lifelong goal is Olympic gold. I won’t rest until I achieve it. Hopefully, that gold will come with Croatia. Recently, I had a stent implanted, so I asked not to be thrown into the pool, but Fatović tossed me in anyway. Perhaps they want to get rid of me,” Tucak joked.

Spain claimed bronze by defeating France 14:10.

Greece finished fifth after overcoming Serbia 15:11, while the Montenegrin water polo team concluded the tournament in eighth place, losing to Hungary 18:16 this morning.

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