Japan and world champion Croatia have clinched the final two spots for the World Aquatics World Cup Finals, set for April in Kotor, Montenegro. Japan triumphed in a thrilling 19-18 clash against Georgia, while Croatia eliminated Olympic bronze medallist USA with a commanding 15-6 victory.
Overview
Japan and Croatia now join Hungary, Greece, Montenegro, and Spain from the Bucharest qualifiers, along with Division Two’s Netherlands and Germany, to complete the eight-nation lineup. While qualification was the day’s main focus, the evening semifinals delivered standout performances as Hungary defeated Greece 20-10, and Spain overpowered Montenegro 15-8. These results will influence rankings and matchups in Kotor.
In the classification 9-11 series, Serbia secured ninth place with an 18-12 win over France, capping a disappointing tournament for the triple Olympic champions. France and Romania will compete for 10th place on Sunday.
Match Reports
Georgia 18, Japan 19
This nail-biting encounter saw frustrations boil over as Georgia incurred two red cards in the final moments. Japan started strongly with a 3-0 lead but had to fend off multiple challenges from Georgia, who briefly led twice during the match. The game featured eight ties, and Japan’s decisive four-goal run in the final quarter sealed their victory.
Key Players:
- Japan: Seiya Adachi (5 goals), Yusuke Inaba (4 goals), Kenta Araki (3 goals).
- Georgia: Dusan Vasic and Luka Akhvlediani (4 goals each).
Turning Point:
Japan’s late four-goal surge, led by Inaba’s long-range strike at 2:54, turned a tied match into a secure lead.
Stats:
Japan converted seven of 11 extra-man chances, while Georgia managed five of nine. Both teams’ goalkeepers tallied 12 saves each.
What They Said:
Yoshinori Shiota (JPN) — Head Coach: “A well-fought match by my team. Georgia played a great game, and it’s unfortunate the match ended with unsportsmanlike actions.”
USA 6, Croatia 15
Croatia dominated from the outset, racing to a 7-3 lead by the end of the first quarter and never looking back. Marko Zuvela, Konstantin Kharkov, and Jerko Marinic Kragic led the scoring, while Toni Popadic anchored the defense with 12 saves.
Key Players:
- Croatia: Marinic Kragic (4 goals), Zuvela and Kharkov (3 goals each).
- USA: Ryan Ohl (2 goals).
Turning Point:
Croatia’s 5-1 start in the first quarter set the tone for the match.
Stats:
Croatia converted two of four extra-man opportunities and scored their sole penalty, while the USA went one of six on extra plays and missed their only penalty attempt.
What They Said:
Toni Popadic (CRO) — Player of the Match: “It was easy to perform well with such strong defensive support from my team.”
Hungary 20, Greece 10
Hungary’s young squad outclassed Greece’s veterans, showcasing a near-perfect performance. Hungary’s defense was impenetrable, and their offensive efficiency, particularly on extra-man situations, was unmatched.
Key Players:
- Hungary: Krisztian Manhercz, David Tatrai, Zsombor Ekler, and Vendel Vigvari (3 goals each).
- Greece: Dimitrios Dimou (2 goals).
Turning Point:
Hungary’s dominance was evident from their early 6-3 lead, which extended to 10-6 by halftime.
Stats:
Hungary converted nine of 10 extra-man opportunities and blocked nine of Greece’s 14 attempts.
What They Said:
Zsolt Varga (HUN) — Head Coach: “We played almost a perfect match, but we must remain humble and prepare for Spain in the final.”
Montenegro 8, Spain 15
Spain’s defensive prowess and Unai Aguirre’s stellar goalkeeping stifled Montenegro. Spain opened with a 4-2 lead and surged ahead with a seven-goal streak after Montenegro’s Vasilije Radovic was red-carded.
Key Players:
- Spain: Pol Daura (5 goals), Unai Aguirre (15 saves).
- Montenegro: Savo Cetkovic and Miroslav Perkovic (2 goals each).
Turning Point:
Radovic’s red card and Spain’s subsequent seven-goal run.
Stats:
Spain excelled with eight of 11 extra-man conversions and defended eight of 12 against them.
What They Said:
David Martin (ESP) — Head Coach: “Our defense was exceptional today, and we’ll need a similar effort against Hungary in the final.”
Classification 9-11 Series
Serbia 18, France 12
Serbia controlled the match from start to finish, taking advantage of Thomas Vernoux’s red card in the second quarter. Nine Serbian players scored, and Milan Glusac made 11 saves to secure ninth place for his team.
Key Players:
- Serbia: Vasilije Martinovic and Marko Radulovic (3 goals each).
- France: Romain Marion Vernoux (3 goals).
Turning Point:
Serbia’s four-goal stretch during Vernoux’s exclusion proved decisive.
What They Said:
Uros Stefanovic (SRB) — Head Coach: “This tournament was a learning experience for our younger players. We’ll regroup and focus on improving for Kotor.”
Looking Ahead
The stage is set for the World Cup Finals in Kotor. Hungary and Spain will battle for top honors, while Japan and Croatia join the elite eight. As teams refine their strategies, the tournament promises high-stakes drama and world-class water polo action.