They Unveiled the Derby, Only to Face a Debacle
The standout player today was Petar Tešanović, as seen in the match, Photo: Marcel ter Bals / MTB-Photo
The victory was declared, securing a direct spot in the World Championship quarter-finals in Doha, along with a ticket to the Olympic Games in Paris. However, the rival fell short…
In a disheartening outcome, the Montenegrin water polo team faced a defeat against Serbia, losing 14:6 in the much-anticipated Group C derby, a match reflecting their former glory.
Upcoming for Coach Vladimir Gojković is another group match on Friday at 7 a.m. our time against Japan.
A victory here is essential, and if achieved, Petar Tesanović and his teammates could secure 2nd place, allowing them to advance towards the World Cup quarter-finals and a ticket to the City of Light, reasserting their dominance over Romania from the European Championship in Croatia.
Given what has been witnessed in January in Dubrovnik and Zagreb, as well as now in Doha, it’s evident that the “sharks” might only fulfill Coubertin’s maxim of “It is important to participate” at the Olympic Games, as they appear lack the quality to compete for something of greater significance…
A loss to Japan or Romania in the Round of 9, or a possible battle for the 12th to 13th place, would eliminate their chances for Paris.
Similar sentiments echo regarding the “sharks” at the Olympic stage, as emphasized again, they might only embody Coubertin’s maxim due to evident quality deficiencies…
The stark contrast in performance against Serbia, who, following their gold win at the Tokyo Olympics, initiated a new cycle with a young team, is illustrated by Montenegro’s inability to secure any initial momentum, trailing 4:0, with Tešanović being the only standout in the pool.
The captain yielded a valiant effort, but often found himself alone, facing the unpredictable “dolphins.” Lacking defense and a competent attack made it clear from the outset that success was out of reach.
However, Gojković’s squad found a slight resurgence near the end of the 2nd quarter and the beginning of the 3rd, with a fortunate and skillful strike from Jovan Vujović, narrowing the gap to 6:4. Nevertheless, Vasilije Radović struck the crossbar during a man-up opportunity.
Serbia quickly capitalized, bringing the score to 8:4, and proceeded to ramp up the pace, ultimately defeating their weary adversary.
The “Sharks” must put this setback behind them and secure a place in the round of 16 against Japan, where even a loss following the fifth round may suffice.
A win would elevate them to 2nd place, at least temporarily, offering a more manageable opponent in the subsequent rounds. Maintaining that position would require Serbia to defeat the USA in regular time or a shootout.
SERBIA – MONTENEGRO 14:6 (4:1, 2:2, 5:3, 3:0)
Doha – “Aspire home”. Spectators: 200. Referees: Cvart (Netherlands), Franulović (Croatia). Goals: Serbia 15 (10), Montenegro 13 (4). Penalties: Serbia 1 (1), Montenegro 1 (1).
Serbia: FILIPOVIĆ (12 saves), MANDIĆ 4 (1), RAŠOVIĆ 2, Ranđelović 1, P. JAKŠIĆ, Vučinić 2, Drašović 1, N. JAKŠIĆ 1, Vico 1, UBOVIĆ, Lukić, RAŠOVIĆ 2, Mitrović.
Montenegro: Lazović (three saves), Perković, AVERKA 1, MACIĆ, Popadić 1, VIDOVIĆ 1 (1), Đ. Radović 1, UKROPINA, SPAIĆ, Matković 1, V. RADOVIĆ, TEŠANOVIĆ (10 saves), Vujović 1.
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