Croatia into final of European Championship after beating Hungary
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
Jerko Marinic Kragic (CRO) (Photo: European Aquatics / Tom Dubravec / CROPIX)
Croatia has reached the final of the 2024 European Water Polo Championship.
Croatia will be playing their consecutive European championship final after beating an in-form Hungary side 11-8 in Zagreb tonight.
From the outset it was a tough game dominated by the defence of both teams. Both teams traded goals in the opening quarter which ended 2-2.
(Photo: European Aquatics / Tom Dubravec / CROPIX)
An impressive defensive display in the second quarter from Croatia, led by keeper Marko Bijač, prevented Hungary from scoring and Croatia, who were playing in their fourth consecutive semi-final, would go into the halftime break 4-3 up.
(Photo: European Aquatics / Bozidar Vukicevic / CROPIX)
Both teams found it difficult to find the back of the net in the third quarter, but Hungary did manage to close the gap slightly and Croatia lead 7-6 going into the final quarter.
Loren Fatović would extend Croatia’s lead to three goals and the home side would hold on in the final minutes to complete a memorable win. Jerko Marinić-Kragić was Croatia’s top scorer on the night with three goals.
Croatian coach Ivica Tucak (Photo: European Aquatics / Bozidar Vukicevic / CROPIX)
Croatia will be hoping for consecutive European titles and their third in total when they face Spain in the final on Tuesday. Spain beat Italy 7-4 in the first semifinal.
Croatia beat Spain 14-12 in their group match.
