The final day scenario of the group stage at the World Championship was perfect for the Montenegrin water polo team.

Following a disappointing defeat of 14:6 against Serbia in the second round, the outlook was grim. However, the clash with Japan became a crucial matchup for survival in Doha. Our national team received a fortunate opportunity that they must now capitalize on.

Coach Vladimir Gojković‘s team will face Romania at 15:30 in a match that is not only vital for securing a spot in the quarterfinals but also earns a qualification for the Olympic Games. Montenegro finds itself in a favorable position, facing a rival they are heavily favored against this Sunday. A victory not only leads to Paris but also sets up a confrontation with Spain on Tuesday…

The “Sharks” took care of business on their path to the knockout stage by defeating Japan (11:14). They were then aided by Serbia’s victory over the USA (12:X:X), allowing the “dolphins” to secure a spot at the OI, while putting our team in an easier bracket. Had the Americans won, Montenegro would have had to face the Italians for a quarterfinal spot.

– We are going in with full force to win. We played against Romania at the European Championship, and then they practiced for a few days leading up to the WC, so we’re quite familiar with each other. We will analyze them further, but there is no reason to fear – said Vasilije Radović.

The match against Japan was anything but straightforward.

The “Samurai” took the lead on two occasions in the first half, but Montenegro paved their way to victory in the third quarter with a 5:0 run, leading 9:5. They then extended the score to 10:6 early in the final period, though the match had its share of drama.

Japan went all out, applying pressure across the pool, and came within one goal at one point. Thankfully, a thrilling conclusion was averted.

– We had difficulties against Japan. We knew that would be the case as this team plays differently than others – pointed out Radović.

Ultimately, the decisive factor was the five-goal victory against the Americans in the opening round, even though it seemed Montenegro might finish third in the group.

Specifically, the USA led for about twenty minutes against Serbia, holding a three-goal margin and even having a chance to extend it to four… Serbia refused to give up, closing in from 8:5 to 8:7, capitalizing on a significant error by one of the world’s top centers – Ben Hallock.

The American anchorman was penalized with a red card after an incident with Nikola Jakšić, leading to a five-point advantage for the “dolphins” and a four-minute player advantage in the pool. Coach Uroš Stevanović ensured his team capitalized on this opportunity, ultimately leading 11:8 thanks to a 6:0 streak…

This outcome not only brought joy to Montenegro but also paved Serbia’s path to the quarterfinals and the Olympic Games.

– I commend the players for dealing with immense pressure. At both the European Championship and here in Doha, we’ve faced opponents that don’t let us play at a lower intensity – remarked Vladimir Gojković following the victory over Japan.

This statement reflects the weight of the pressure faced by the Montenegrin national team, as highlighted by Stefan Vidović.

– We defeated Japan, but more importantly, we emerged stronger ourselves. The match was challenging, especially after that loss to Serbia, but we remained composed even when facing a deficit – noted Vidović.

EIGHT FINALS

Sunday

Croatia – China 10.00

Australia – France 14.00

Montenegro – Romania 15.30

USA – Italy 17.00

QUARTERFINALS

Tuesday

Montenegro/Romania – Spain 14.00

Greece – USA/Italy 15.30

Serbia – Croatia/China 17.00

Hungary – Australia/France 18.30

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