Croatia beats Greece to secure World Championship quarter-final spot

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

Croatia’s men’s water polo team have secured a direct spot in the quarter-finals of the World Championships in Singapore after topping Group D with a perfect record.

In a thrilling final group stage match, Croatia came from behind to edge out Greece 10-9 (1-4, 4-2, 4-1, 1-2) and claim their third consecutive victory.

Despite a poor start that saw them trail 3-0 early on and 4-1 after the first quarter, Croatia responded strongly. Key goals from Loren Fatović, who netted a hat-trick, and a standout performance in goal from captain Marko Bijač turned the game around.

Marko Žuvela and Zvonimir Butić added two goals each, while Bijač made several crucial saves, especially during Greece’s power plays in the third period.

(Photo credit: HVS/Aniko Kovacs)

Croatia’s resurgence was sparked in the second quarter with tighter defence and more clinical finishing, levelling the score at 5-5 before Greece briefly regained the lead.

Croatia then took control in the third period, and although Greece threatened late in the match, Croatia held firm to seal a hard-fought win.

They will next face the winner of the Romania vs. Spain/Hungary clash in Sunday’s quarter-final.