Croatia vs Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the EP
After a great performance, the best match so far in our performances at the European Under-19 Championship in Zagreb, the girls of Mia Šimunić's team have a new test on Thursday from 7:00 p.m. An opportunity for a new venture, another significant step forward for our women's water polo.
After the national team that played in the semi-finals at the continental championship under the age of 16 in Manisa, Turkey, the first time in the history of our women's water polo at major competitions, the same opportunity is now available to girls. at three years older age.
After the great victory over Greece on Tuesday evening, there will be a meeting with the Netherlands in the quarter-finals of the European Championship. The Dutch won third place in Group B. They beat Israel (10:5), but lost convincingly to Spain (8:14) and Italy (4:13). Our girls also met Holland this summer. Last time during preparations for this championship in Zagreb.
- That was in Zeist, their essentially football Olympic center, but also used by other sports. We were in joint training sessions and in the only official match we won by five points. However, we also played in the Pythia Cup in Greece, and also won (12:10) - recalls the coach Šimunić and adds. to the top of world and European water polo. In the senior competition, the Dutch are European champions from January this year. In Paris, they won bronze at the Olympic Games, defeating the USA. However, at younger ages, our national team really "deals" with them.
- In the last few years, yes, that is correct. That's why I expect a tough match.
Tougher than it was against the Greek women?
- Yes, because this is more important because it is an elimination game. It was a group game against Greece, which in itself makes a difference. Greece also had its weight because we have never beaten Greece before, never even close. Such combativeness as the girls have shown so far in this tournament, courage in the pool, so much desire... yes, the girls 'dreamed' of that match and made it come true.
We hope that the girls are now 'awake', but also ready. for another dream. This is proven by the captain, Jelena Butić.
- It is clear that we hope for the semi-finals and that we can do it, we have the quality, but we are going calmly, without any pressing or pressure. Calm, cool-headed, but concentrated - Jelena Butić announces this match.
The match between Croatia and the Netherlands starts on Thursday in the evening, from 19:00. Let's fill the bleachers of the pool in Sava, fill them to the top, and with thunderous cheering we 'carry' our girls, let's help them achieve their dream.
You can watch the match here
