It’s been ten years since the semifinals of the World Championship, but unlike previous competitions, Montenegrin water polo players demonstrated remarkable qualities this time in Fukuoka, notably their character and determination.

The “Sharks” reached the quarter-finals but were narrowly defeated by Greece, with a score of 10:9, after a fierce battle.

Teodoros Vlahos’ squad held a “plus three” advantage during the match (6:3), with two Konstantinos—Genidunias (who scored five goals) and center Kakaris—causing significant trouble for our team. Nevertheless, Vladimir Gojković’s side remained undeterred.

With Petar Tešanović leading the way, our water polo players strengthened their defense, and Đuro Radović found the net during an attack, allowing Montenegro to equalize at 7:7.

The match continued as a back-and-forth contest until the end, but Greece’s superior selection emerged victorious—Dimitrios Skubakis scored the winning goal, after which Mirioslav Perković hit the crossbar in Montenegro’s last attempt.

Montenegro now aims to continue competing for places 5th to 8th, with their first match against the loser of the quarter-final clash between Italy and Serbia.

GREECE – MONTENEGRO 10:9 (2:1, 4:3, 1:3, 3:2).

Venue: Fukuoka – “Marine Mesa” pool. Officials: Margeta (Slovenia), Kovač Čatloš (Hungary). Penalty shots: Greece 3 (3); Montenegro 15 (6).

Greece: Cerdevas (9 saves), Genidunias 5, Skubakis 1, Giuvecis 1, Fudulis, Papanastasiu, Dervisis, Argiropoulos 2, Alafragkis, Kakaris 1, Nikolaidis, Kalogeropoulos, Corcatos.

Montenegro: Andrić, Mačić, Perković, Averka 1, Čučković, Popadić 1, Vujović, Đ. Radović 3, Ukropina 2, Spaić 1, Matković 1, Radović, Tešanović (six saves).