The “Sharks” Fall to Spain: Perona and Granados Deliver a Water Polo Masterclass
The Montenegrin water polo team was neck-and-neck with Spain, managing to equalize at 10:10 with a goal from Marko Mršić seven minutes before the match concluded. However, the superior teamwork and individual skill of the Spanish “furies” ultimately secured their victory over the “sharks.”
Spain triumphed with a score of 14:12, marking the first defeat for Vladimir Gojković’s squad at the European Championship, following their earlier win against France with a score of 20:19.
Throughout the match, Montenegro found themselves trailing against the favored team, but they remained competitive until the middle of the last quarter. It was then that the absence of Aljoša Mačić, Aleksa Ukropina, and Vasilije Radović—their departures due to personal fouls—became a crucial factor.
Montenegro never led the game, managing only two ties at 2:2 and 10:10. There’s little to lament, as Spain effectively exploits every misstep—an instance of this was seen as Felipe Perona and Alvaro Granados led their team to their inaugural title at the European Championship.
This loss to Spain likely indicates that Montenegro will not finish first in their group; the determination of the second place will rely on tonight’s results. If Croatia defeats France, it could bolster Montenegro’s chances for the third spot.
Ukropina, Marko Mršić, and Stefan Vidović were the standout scorers for Montenegro, each netting three goals, while Petar Tešanović made 12 significant saves. For Spain, Granados scored five times.
Montenegro’s final group match is scheduled for Monday at 20:15, with Croatia as their opponent.
MONTENEGRO – SPAIN 12:14 (2:4, 4:4, 3:2, 3:4)
Location: Dubrovnik – Pool “Gruž”. Attendance: 600. Referees: Kovač-Čatloš (Hungary), Colombo (Italy). Extra player statistics: Montenegro 13 (8), Spain 14 (6).
Montenegro Roster: Lazović, Vujović 1, Perković, Mršić 3, Mačić, Popadić, Vidović 3, Đ. Radović 1, Ukropina 3, Spaić, Matković, V. Radović 1, Tešanović.
Spain Roster: Aguirre 1 (six saves), Munaris 1, Granados 5, Sanauza 1, Del Toro, Larumbe, Gomila, Cabanas, Taulj 2, Perone 3, Maljarah, Bustos 1, Ljorio.