Croatia survive USA shootout as 4x4 semi-final line-ups take shape in Dubrovnik

The 4×4 World Cup in Dubrovnik moved into its knockout phase on Friday, with eight quarter-finals deciding the men’s and women’s semi-finalists.

Croatia produced the headline result of the men’s competition, surviving a dramatic shootout against the United States to keep their title hopes alive on home water.

The hosts twice found themselves under pressure in a back-and-forth contest. USA took the second period 2-1 and later won the fourth 6-5, but Croatia had already claimed the first and third periods before taking the deciding shootout 3-1.

They will be joined in the last four by Spain, Serbia and NAB.

Spain were pushed in each period by Georgia but completed a 3-0 victory, winning 5-4, 5-2 and 5-4. Serbia dropped one period against Bulgaria before responding strongly to take the match 3-1, while NAB were dominant in a straight-period victory over Montenegro.

The women’s quarter-finals also produced one major thriller.

Australia and Croatia went all the way to a shootout after trading periods throughout an extremely tight contest. Australia eventually prevailed 4-3 in the shootout to complete a 3-2 overall victory and secure their place in the semi-finals.

Elsewhere, the United States were emphatic against South Africa. USA won all three periods, 8-0, 9-0 and 5-0, in one of the most one-sided knockout performances of the tournament so far.

Spain also progressed without dropping a period against Turkey, winning 5-2, 5-0 and 4-3, while NAB completed the women’s semi-final line-up after a 3-0 win over Greece.

With the quarter-finals complete, the tournament now moves into its decisive weekend in Dubrovnik, with medals within reach for the remaining eight teams.