Barcelona, August 2018 – in a thrilling match during the European Championship, Spain’s water polo team took the lead against Montenegro multiple times, ultimately securing a draw with a goal from Alejandro Bustos (7:7), which earned them first place in the group.

Throughout that championship, held at the iconic Olympic hill of Montjuic, the “Fury” advanced to the grand final, and in the following six major competitions, they reached at least the semi-finals. Notably, in 2022 in Budapest, they clinched the world title.

This highlights the formidable challenge Montenegro faces tonight (17:45 p.m.) in the second round of the European Championship in Croatia. A victory would advance Vladimir Gojković’s team directly to the quarterfinals.

– We anticipate a strong national team with significant individual talent, supported by a well-regarded game system that has been refined over the years. They are undoubtedly a superior team compared to France, whom we defeated at the championship’s start – stated center Miroslav Perković.

The opening match of a tournament is often the most challenging, as evidenced by France (the Sharks won 20:19 after a penalty shootout), but Spain poses a threat at all stages of the championship…

The same will be true in Dubrovnik, especially with regard to the team system implemented by David Martin and highlighted by Vlado Popadić.

– We are aware of their strengths; Felipe Perone is advancing in years yet remains at an exceptional level, and we cannot overlook Alvaro Granados, one of the world’s top strikers. Furthermore, I believe Spain has the best system they have used for years – emphasized Popadić.

Despite their power, even such a strong team has vulnerabilities, as revealed by hosts Croatia, who triumphed in the first round by five goals (14:12).

– I believe we can find opportunities against Spain. They do have weaknesses, and we must exploit them… I feel we can match their pace and swimming abilities since we are very well conditioned. I am confident our coaching staff will prepare a solid game plan – added Perković.

Popadić shed light on one of their weak points.

– The center positions are undoubtedly areas we should target defensively. They are physically imposing and don’t adapt well to movement, which we must capitalize on, as well as replicate our successful strategy from Fukuoka while avoiding mistakes from that encounter – Popadić asserted.

The victory over France has eased the path moving forward.

– After our win against France, the rest of the championship should feel more manageable; we have often reiterated that the first match against any opponent is challenging. We anticipated a stronger performance from France than at the tournament in Italy, and they delivered. However, the crucial point is that we won and continue our journey – concluded Popadić.

Montenegro and Spain have faced each other 33 times, with Montenegro leading the overall record at 18:9, including six draws. Their most recent encounter was at the World Cup in Fukuoka last summer, where Spain emerged victorious with an 11:7 scoreline.

EP 2024, 2nd round

Today

17:45 p.m. Montenegro – Spain

20:15 p.m. Croatia – France

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