The inaugural derby in Dubrovnik featured a thrilling water polo match, concluding in a dramatic penalty shootout similar to the match between Montenegro and France.

Croatia triumphed over Spain in a nail-biting Group A encounter of the European Championship, winning 14:12 (9:9) after five penalty rounds.

The devastating moment for the “fury” came when Alvaro Granados had his penalty saved by Marko Bijač in the second round, while every player from the home team scored successfully, allowing Marko Žuvela to seal the win.

Earlier today, our national team also earned two points by defeating France (20:19).

The reigning European champions started strong, taking a 3:1 lead with contributions from Loren Fatović, Jerko Marinić Kragić, and Rino Burić, but the match shifted in favor of the “fury” until the last five minutes.

By the end of the second quarter, Alberto Munaris and Mark Larumbe had put Spain ahead by two (6:4), a lead they held until the middle of the last quarter, when Croatia reminded everyone why they are the reigning champions.

Fatović tied the match at 9:9 after four and a half minutes, marking the beginning of an intense finish in Gruž.

The first day of the European Championship also featured action in Zagreb, where Greece battled to a draw against world champions Hungary (10:10).

In the second match of Group B, Italy easily overpowered Georgia (22:6), with two goals scored by former Montenegro player, Stefan Pješivac.

News