Đuro Radović Secures Victory for Georgia with Eight Seconds Remaining
Photo: VPSCG/Krsto Vulović
For those seeking excitement, the first match of the Montenegrin water polo team at the World Cup tournament in Podgorica certainly delivered.
It was an intensely close game for the “sharks,” who pulled off a late victory against Georgia, clinching it with a goal from Đuro Radović just eight seconds before the final whistle, making it 13:12.
Montenegro trailed for much of the match, finally taking the lead near the end of the third quarter. In a nail-biting exchange, they had to maintain their composure against a continuously improving team coached by Serbian Dejan Stanojević.
Radović, who returned to the national team after a year away, scored his fourth goal in the match, making it a crucial moment for Montenegro.
Montenegro will face Spain in their next tournament match tomorrow at 17:30, after Spain overcame Greece in a thrilling encounter today (8:11).
In two significant competitions this summer, Georgia proved to be a tough opponent for Montenegro, as demonstrated in this tournament.
The Georgian team came out strong, and it took Montenegro nearly two and a half quarters to find their rhythm before Irakli Razmadze marked his territory with 15 impressive saves.
Danilo Radović briefly put Montenegro ahead 9:8 in the final minute of the third period, but the excitement continued to build.
Georgia last led with a score of 10:9 at 5:41 before the end, eventually tying the game at 12:12 just seconds from the finish.
Following a time-out from Gojković, a suspension on Georgia’s defender set the stage for Đuro to ensure a thrilling victory in “Morača” with a key goal.
MONTENEGRO – GEORGIA 13:12 (1:3, 5:5, 3:0, 4:3)
Podgorica – SC “Morača” swimming pool. Spectators: 600. Referees: Debreceni (Hungary), Franulović (Croatia). Extra players: Montenegro 9 (6), Georgia 11 (8). Penalties: Montenegro 3 (3), Georgia 1 (1).
Montenegro: Andrić, D. Radović 1, Mačić, Averka 2, Čučković, Popadić, Đ. Radović 4, Ukropina, Perković 1, Ćetković 1, Matković 2, V. Radović 2, Tešanović (nine saves).
Georgia: Razmadze (15 saves), Ahvlediani 2, Dadvani, Shushiashvili 3, Bitadze 1, Jelaca 2, Jahaia, Saric, Imnaishvili 1, Adeishvili, Vasic 3, Dzhihciarenko, Gvetadze.
News