Croatia beats Montenegro to go top at water polo World Championships in Singapore

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

Croatia’s national water polo team have recorded their second win at the World Championships in Singapore, overcoming a strong Montenegrin side in a tightly contested and physical encounter.

After beating China (25-6) in the first group match, Croatia beat Montenegro 13-11 today.

It was not an easy or dominant performance, but it was a deserved win that sees the ‘Barracudas’ take the lead in their group ahead of the final round.

The first half of the game was defined by strong defensive displays on both sides. The opening 16 minutes saw only ten goals scored (5-5), which is considered low by today’s standards.

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

Despite the lack of attacking fluidity early on, Croatia managed to build momentum in the second half. Goalkeeper Marko Bijač stood out with 11 crucial saves, helping keep Montenegro at bay.

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

Goals were spread across the Croatian squad, with Loren Fatović and Konstantin Harkov each netting twice, while Luka Bukić led the scoring with three. Other scorers included Burić, Lončar, Vukičević, Žuvela, Kržić, Butić, and Biljaka.

For Montenegro, Baničević and Radović were the top scorers with three goals each. Despite putting up a strong fight, they were unable to overturn Croatia’s late push.

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

The final scoreline was Croatia 13, Montenegro 11 (3-2, 2-3, 3-2, 5-4).

Croatia now sit at the top of their group heading into their last group match against Greece.

The match against Greece, scheduled for Wednesday, will determine who finishes first in the group and secures a more favourable draw in the knockout stage.