“Outstanding Hospitality: Everything is on Track”
The Montenegro national water polo team has returned to Kashiwazaki, where they previously stayed before the Tokyo Olympic Games two years ago.
This time, the “sharks” are in this quaint Japanese town to finalize their preparations ahead of the World Championship, commencing on July 16 in Fukuoka.
Thanks to the local kindness, hospitality, and excellent training conditions, the “sharks” chose to return to this location, and the residents of Kashiwazaki welcomed the Montenegrin team with open arms and cheerful smiles.
“The hosts have treated us exceptionally well; we are receiving immense attention, and everyone is eager to meet us. During dinner with our host, Mr. Sekiya Takashi, we expressed our gratitude with symbolic gifts to show our appreciation for everything they have provided,” said coach Vladimir Gojković.
The top water polo players from Montenegro arrived in Japan last Friday, and they will be joined, as two years prior, by the Serbian team, with whom they will have a practice match in two days.
“We are still adjusting to the time difference and the long journey, but overall, it’s going well, and we are adapting effectively. Our training is proceeding as planned; we have initiated our final preparations,” commented Vlado Popadić.
There’s little time to settle in, as their first match is scheduled for next Monday against South Africa. This will be their only match in which the “sharks” are seen as significant favorites; however, the next two matches in the group stage pose tougher challenges against Serbia and especially Spain, which is arguably the front-runner for the title.
“We are taking it match by match. We are absolute favorites against South Africa, and we will utilize that match to practice some tactical ideas. Following that, we’ll face tough competitions against Spain and Serbia, crucial for reaching the quarter-finals,” added Popadić.
The group winner will advance straight to the quarter-finals of the World Championship, while the teams finishing second and third will compete for a place in the top eight.
Teams in Group D, including Montenegro, will encounter teams from Group C, which features Hungary, Croatia, Japan, and Argentina.
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