New Tests for Water Polo Players of Rijeka, Šibenik, and Dubrovnik
This Saturday, December 14, brings two more matches for Croatian clubs, as well as new challenges for the water polo players of Rijeka, Dubrovnik, and Šibenik.
Primorje in Kragujevac
In the previous round of the Premier League, Jadran from Herceg Novi surprised with a somewhat smooth, convincing victory (12:9) over Radnički in Kragujevac. However, in the same round, the biggest sensation was delivered by the Primorje EB team. The Rijeka team defeated the southern team on their own Kantrida more convincingly than the Montenegrin team triumphed in Serbia. It ended 16:12 in favor of the team coached by Igor Hinić.
Primorje EB has already had many great and brilliant matches this season. After all, they were just seconds away from defeating Novi Beograd. We still remember their victory in the first round against Radnički away. Therefore, the Rijeka team is definitely a dangerous team. Always, for anyone.
I would say about Herceg Novi that they are a solid team, play very good defense, and have an organized attack with an extra player. They have a leader in Aleksandar Ivović, great shooters. I would especially mention the Russian Dmitrij Holod and the center Đorđe Lazić, who is also an Olympic champion. We will try to play our game, stick to the plan, and in the end, see which way everything went – said Jakov Kren, the second goalkeeper of Rijeka.
His teammate, Len Dujmić, added during the club press conference before the trip to Herceg Novi.
It will be a new, very tough match for us because we are playing against an excellent team with many national team players. I would especially highlight their captain Ivović, who is, in my opinion, their highest quality player. Of course, we are going for the win despite everything. In defense, we will primarily pay attention to the goalposts because they are very good with an extra player, as well as to their shooters. That is our focus.
Uncertain Match in Gruž
The second Croatian match in the Saturday program of the 10th round, or the second encounter involving our clubs, is the Gruž derby between Jug Adriatic osiguranje and Solaris.
Looking at the standings, it seems unusual at first glance, appearing uncommon and almost wrong. We refer to the low placement of Jug on the table, being penultimate or 11th, with a win-loss ratio of 2-7. The alarm bells are starting to ring in Gruž, as they need to start gathering points more seriously to avoid entering the Relegation League where the people of Dubrovnik have never been, and also to improve Jug's starting position in the Croatian Championship. The Saturday opponent of Jug, Šibenik Solaris, is not exactly an ideal opponent in that regard. It is true that Jug recently triumphed over Solaris in the Croatian Cup semi-final in Zagreb. However, it was not easy even then, with just a one-goal difference, and with Joković and Kržić in the pool. The Solaris team is ready and able not only to threaten, but if possible, to secure some points in the City. This match is potentially very, very interesting.
