The lead-up to the European Championship match in Croatia was impressive, as the Montenegrin water polo team decisively triumphed over France (2:17) during the 11th round of the “Sardinia Cup,” setting up a future clash in the championship of the Old Continent.

Under the guidance of Vladimir Gojković, the team exhibited dominance and systematically extended their lead, achieving their largest margin in the 2nd minute of the 3rd quarter when Vladan Spaić scored to make it 11:3.

The French contingent, missing some key players, only found their rhythm afterward, narrowing the gap to 11:7, but were unable to thwart the “sharks'” clear victory.

Montenegro capitalized on their power plays effectively, scoring on 10 out of 13 opportunities, with Marko Mršić being the standout performer, netting five goals.

Kanstantin Averka and Bogdan Đurđić each contributed three goals, while Stefan Vidović scored twice, and Miroslav Perković, Aljoša Mačić, Đuro Radović, and Spaić each found the net once.

On Tuesday, Montenegro triumphed over Australia with a score of 8:6 and will face off against host nation Italy for the trophy on Thursday at 19:00.

MONTENEGRO – FRANCE 17:11 (5:1, 4:2, 3:5, 5:3)

Montenegro: Lazović, Brguljan, Perković 1, Averka 3, Mačić 1, Popadić, Vidović 2, Đurđić 3, Radović 1, Spaić 1, Vujović, Mršić 5, Tešanović.

France: Hovhanisjan, Sodadije 1, Mas, Bue 2, Haas, Marion-Vernu 1, Zivkovic 1, Kanone, Nardon 2, Bodega 3, Vanpeperstrate, De Nardi 1, Fontani.

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