The latest major competition has come to a close, reinforcing the struggle Montenegrin water polo players face in securing a medal.

Reaching the quarter-finals at the European Championship was the high point, but another opportunity for improved results is on the horizon in just twenty days with the World Championship kicking off in Doha. Yet, the scenario remains the same — the “sharks” seem too distant from the semi-finals, a position they haven’t held for four years since their last medal was won at the EP in Budapest in 2020.

Additionally, there seems to be a growing sentiment that they no longer genuinely believe they can surpass superior teams in knockout matches. This past summer in Fukuoka, the national team did eliminate Croatia in the round of 16 at the World Championship, but that victory appears to be more of an anomaly than a sign of progress.

Recent group stage matches in Dubrovnik against Spain and Croatia highlighted undeniable talent and quality. However, pondering encounters with teams like “Furies” and “Barracudas” alongside questionable referee decisions after Italy’s decisive win over Petr Tešanović paints a grim picture.

Clearly, if any progress was made in Gruž, Montenegro has since taken significant steps backward.

Once a formidable force in water polo — despite often underperforming with top players — the Montenegrin national team has settled for mediocrity. This decline should not have been permitted by anyone in the water polo and swimming federation, especially not coach Vladimir Gojković.

As a former player who excelled, Gojković’s current team, for which he is responsible, has become accustomed to thriving only against less formidable competitors. A solitary victory against such teams (like Georgia or France at this EP) is often enough for quarter-final qualification — a goal that has frustratingly become the main focus before major competitions.

Last night, Italy outplayed Montenegro thoroughly, winning 14:8, showcasing their dominance through three quarters. But can Italy really solve the match’s outcome in merely ten minutes?

Italy’s prowess is well-documented, with a strong water polo system and the authority of selector Alessandro Campagna. However, the pressing issue is that Montenegrin players appear to mentally capitulate before matches even commence. This reflects a mentality that clearly lacks a winning edge.

Montenegro has two more encounters in Zagreb to determine placements from 5th to 8th. Following the EP and as they prepare for the WC, it will be challenging to express disappointment to VPSCG, as they likely see the objective accomplished by qualifying for the World Championship and continuing the journey towards Olympic qualification. This was solidified by making it to the quarter-finals, raising concerns about the current mindset…

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