In their fourth match at the World Cup tournament in Podgorica, Montenegro’s water polo team had a lackluster performance but managed to secure their second victory, keeping alive their hopes of reaching the finals this summer in Los Angeles.

The “Sharks” edged out Australia with a score of 12:11, thanks to a last-minute goal from Vasilij Radović, just 16 seconds before the final whistle, despite the match almost slipping away from them.

In the closing quarter, Montenegro tightened their defense around goalkeeper Darko Đurović, who took over from Petr Tešanović at the end of the third quarter. The team capitalized on two key opportunities, including an equalizer by Dušan Matković, making the score 11:11.

This match will likely be forgotten soon as the Montenegrin team once again failed to meet the expectations of coach Vladimir Gojković. However, they did show resilience after previous losses to Spain and Serbia.

Montenegro initially led 5:2 in the second quarter, but allowed Australia—who had lost all their matches in Podgorica—to come back and take a 11:10 lead.

Nonetheless, the home team had the final say…

Miroslav Perković was the standout performer for Montenegro, scoring three goals, while Matković added two. Vasilije Radović, Danilo Radović, Konstantin Averka, Vlado Popadić, Stefan Vidović, Aleksa Ukropina, and Savo Ćetković each contributed one goal.

Montenegro did what was necessary to keep their chances alive for the final tournament, but the road ahead remains challenging, as they must defeat Greece in their last round match (Tuesday at 19:30).

MONTENEGRO – AUSTRALIA 12:11 (2:2, 4:4, 4:5, 2:0)

Podgorica – SC “Morača” swimming pool. Attendees: 450. Referees: Braun (USA), Aleksandrescu (Montenegro). Man advantages: Montenegro 11 (5), Australia 7 (4). Penalty shots: Montenegro 1 (1), Australia 1 (1).

Montenegro: Đurović (three saves), D. Radović 1, Mačić, Averka 1, Čučković, Popadić 1, Vidović 1, Ukropina 1, Perković 3, Ćetković 1, Matković 2, V. Radović 1, Tešanović (four saves).

Australia: Porter (five saves), Bereulak 1, Ford 1, Nigas, Power 3, Lemby 2, Pavillard 1, McGnett, Marsden 1, Pat, Putt, Edwards 2, Hedges.

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