When it comes to water polo, surprises are rare, but the recent World Cup draw has left Croatia’s coach Ivica Tucak fuming.

Following the scandal at the Olympic Games, Italy was suspended from the tournament, reducing the number of participating national teams from 12 to 11.

The International Federation of Water Sports (World Aquatics) has organized these teams into four groups, with the first three groups each containing three teams, while the fourth group consists of just two – Croatia and Georgia.

Adding to the absurdity, during the tournament taking place from January 7 to 12 in Romania, Croatia and Georgia will play two matches against each other, ensuring they have the same number of matches as the other teams.

“Such a decision is unprecedented, it’s sheer bizarre nonsense,” Tucak expressed his frustration in an interview with RTL.

The seasoned coach is particularly puzzled as to why alternative teams weren’t included in place of Italy.

“At the very least, knowing that Italy was disqualified, one would think they would find a 12th team to fill the gap. If not, then Georgia and we are stuck in this scenario, where we play one match and are off for the next,” Tucak added.

With two teams advancing from each group to the quarter-finals, it’s evident that both Croatia and Georgia will progress.

“I can hardly comment on what is being done to this superb sport… We seem to be surrounded by individuals who neither appreciate nor comprehend water polo, and ultimately don’t contribute positively to its development,” said the former Jadran coach.

In Romania’s World Cup tournament, Montenegro is also set to compete against Greece and Serbia. The top six teams will secure spots in the World League Superfinals scheduled for April.

Group Composition

A: France, Spain, Hungary

B: Montenegro, Greece, Serbia

C: USA, Romania, Japan

D: Croatia, Georgia

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