Serbia: The Dominant Force in Water Polo in the 21st Century
Water polo has seen many great teams, but none have been as dominant in the 21st century as the Serbian national team. Known for their technical skill, tactical brilliance, and unyielding spirit, Serbia has set a new standard for excellence in the sport. Here’s a look at their incredible achievements over the years.
Golden Era: The 21st Century
Serbia's water polo team has been a powerhouse since the early 2000s, building on a rich tradition of success from the former Yugoslavia. However, it was after the dissolution of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 that Serbia truly began to shine on the world stage.
Key Achievements
Olympic Games:
- 2008 Beijing: Bronze Medal
- 2012 London: Bronze Medal
- 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Gold Medal
- 2020 Tokyo: Gold Medal
Serbia's Olympic triumphs are a testament to their consistency at the highest level. Their gold medal victories in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 were particularly impressive, solidifying their status as the world's best.
World Championships:
- 2005 Montreal: Gold Medal (as Serbia and Montenegro)
- 2009 Rome: Gold Medal
- 2011 Shanghai: Silver Medal
- 2015 Kazan: Gold Medal
- 2017 Budapest: Bronze Medal
- 2019 Gwangju: 5th place
Serbia has dominated the World Championships, particularly in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Their ability to consistently reach the podium highlights their place among the sport's elite.
European Championships:
- 2001 Budapest: Gold Medal (as FR Yugoslavia)
- 2003 Kranj: Gold Medal (as Serbia and Montenegro)
- 2006 Belgrade: Gold Medal (as Serbia and Montenegro)
- 2012 Eindhoven: Gold Medal
- 2014 Budapest: Gold Medal
- 2016 Belgrade: Gold Medal
- 2018 Barcelona: Gold Medal
- 2020 Budapest: Gold Medal
Serbia's dominance in Europe is unparalleled, winning the European Championships a record eight times in the 21st century. Their victories in 2016 and 2020, in particular, were a showcase of their supremacy in the region.
World League:
- 2005: Gold Medal (as Serbia and Montenegro)
- 2006: Gold Medal (as Serbia and Montenegro)
- 2007-2017: 10 consecutive Gold Medals
- 2019: Gold Medal
- 2021: Silver Medal
The World League has been another stage where Serbia has repeatedly proven their dominance. Their record 10 consecutive gold medals from 2007 to 2017 is an achievement unlikely to be matched.
Other Notable Achievements:
- FINA World Cup: Gold Medals in 2006, 2010, 2014.
- Mediterranean Games: Gold Medal in 2009.
Legendary Players and Coaches
Serbia's success has been driven by a generation of extraordinary players, including Filip Filipović, Andrija Prlainović, Duško Pijetlović, and many others. These players have not only been successful at the national level but have also made a significant impact on club teams across Europe.
Coaching has also played a crucial role in Serbia's dominance. Dejan Savić, who coached the team from 2013 to 2023, is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the sport's history. His tactical acumen and ability to inspire his players were key factors in Serbia's incredible run.
Serbia's water polo team has set a benchmark for excellence in the 21st century. Their unparalleled success at the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships, and World League underscores their status as the greatest water polo team of the era. As we move forward, the legacy of this golden generation will continue to inspire future athletes and fans of the sport.
