Water Polo Serbia: U-20 Serbia Beats Italy

In a tense match, Serbia recorded its second victory at the World Cup in Zagreb. Italy was defeated 14-12 (4-5, 4-3, 5-2, 1-2). Serbia has five points and will be a secure quarterfinalist if Spain beats Greece tonight. Otherwise, our team will finish third and will face the loser of the match between China and Australia in the round of sixteen.

With a high number of exclusions, four Serbian players did not finish the match (Gladović, Bodiroga, Novaković, and Gajić), while the Italians lost their composure at the end, with four exclusions with substitution rights and three players due to three personal fouls.

The score was uncertain throughout the match. In the third quarter, with the score tied at 9-9, Serbia's best player Gladović was excluded, followed quickly by Bodiroga. Serbia defended twice with two players down. Jauković gave the lead, Kora equalized. Towards the end of that part, Đokanović twice and Krstić once provided a tangible advantage of 13-10.

In the final eight minutes, the Italians scored two consecutive goals to create suspense. With less than three minutes left, Serbia led 13-12. Andjelić scored with a player advantage 1:38 before the end, setting the final score. Serbia shot 34-14, with Gošić outstanding in goal with a 50% save rate, and excelled in extra player situations with 16-10. The Italians had a shot count of 43-12, 13-6 in extra player situations with two penalty shots converted, and goalkeeper Rubini saving 30%.

Serbia: Dimković, Bodiroga 1, Gajić, Čonkić, Anđelić 2,Gladović 3, Kojić 1, Đokanović 2, Danković, Jauković 2, Krstić 2, Novaković, Gošić, Adamović 1.