The scenario is familiar, along with the recurring struggles of Montenegrin water polo players facing a clearly superior opponent in crucial elimination matches.

The “Sharks” are locked into a quarter-final spot; they simply cannot progress further. Their last medal contention was back in January 2020 at the European Championships, where they secured bronze. However, they were thwarted by Spain during the World Championships in Doha.

Spain, known as the “Red Fury,” is among the top two teams globally, likely the best, as evidenced by their 15:12 victory. The outcome was apparent by the end of the third quarter when Spain pulled ahead for the third time.

Montenegro repeated past mistakes yet again.

They started the match poorly, falling behind 4:0 and then 6:2. Fortunately, their offense improved in the second period, becoming somewhat competitive—Marko Mršić and Draško Brguljan managed to score, allowing the halftime deficit to remain manageable at just one goal (8:7).

However, the opening minute of the third quarter proved decisive. Montenegro made several defensive and offensive errors, which the current European champions exploited ruthlessly.

The fact that the “Sharks” failed to score in that quarter, despite having four man-up opportunities, while conceding five goals, was devastating for the match outcome.

By the time the last eight minutes arrived, Spain led 13:7, later stretching it to 15:9. At least Montenegro finished strong, scoring three consecutive goals to make the defeat feel slightly less bitter.

Mršić stood out as the most effective player for Montenegro, scoring four goals. For Spain, Felipe Perone scored five times, Alvaro Granados contributed four, and Roger Taulj netted three.

This match continued Spain’s dominance over Montenegro, who have not managed to defeat them since February 2020 in the World League.

Montenegro now prepares for the playoffs to determine placements from 5th to 8th. Their first opponent will be the losing team from today’s match between Italy and Greece, scheduled for Thursday at 10 am.

MONTENEGRO – SPAIN 12:15 (2:5, 5:3, 0:5, 5:2)

Doha – “Aspire home”. Spectators: 300. Officials: Cvart (Netherlands), Franulović (Croatia). Player advantages: Montenegro 10 (4), Spain 7 (6). Penalties: Montenegro 2 (2), Spain 2 (2).

Montenegro: Lazović, Brguljan 1, Perković, Averka 2, Mačić, Popadić 2, Đ. Radović, Ukropina 1, Spaić 1, Matković, V. Radović 1, Tešanović (six saves), Mršić 4.

Spain: Aguirre, Munaris 1, Granados 4, Sanauza 2, Del Toro, Larumbe, Famjera, Cabanas, Taulj 3, Perone 5, Bustos, Lorio (11 saves), Biel.