Croatia crowned U18 Water Polo World Champions after dramatic penalty shootout win over USA
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo: HVS)
Croatia’s U18 men’s water polo team are world champions after defeating the United States 21-20 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 14-14 draw in the final of the World Championship in Rio Maior, Portugal.
The title marks Croatia’s first U18 world crown in a decade, with the nation’s young Barakudas returning to the top of the world for the first time since winning the championship in 2016.
Croatia produced an outstanding display against one of the tournament favourites, limiting the USA’s physical strength and successfully neutralising their attacking threat around the centre forward position.
The Croatian attack was led by its left-handed trio on the right flank. Nardo Skejić scored five goals, Filip Erenda added three and Toma Drobac one, accounting for nine of Croatia’s 14 goals in regular time.
After the USA led early, Croatia took control and built a 7-4 advantage early in the second quarter. They later opened up a four-goal lead twice in the third period at 11-7 and 12-8 before the Americans fought back.
The United States levelled the match at 12-12 before taking a 14-13 lead with just over a minute remaining. Croatia responded in the closing seconds as Skejić scored with only 12 seconds left to send the final into a penalty shootout.Ž
(Photo: HVS)
Croatian goalkeeper and captain Nikola Batoš made a crucial save from the opening American penalty before the shootout extended into sudden death. After both teams exchanged successful penalties, the USA missed their decisive attempt, allowing Croatia to seal the world title.
The victory is particularly impressive given the challenges Croatia faced before and during the tournament, including disrupted preparations and the absence of Deni Sappe through illness, leaving the squad one player short throughout the competition.
Several Croatian players and staff were also recognised with individual honours. Captain Nikola Batoš was named the tournament’s Best Goalkeeper, while Nardo Skejić received the Player of the Final award. Head coach Hrvoje Koljanin was named World Aquatics’ Best Coach of the Tournament.
(Photo: HVS)
Speaking after the final, Koljanin praised his players for overcoming difficult preparations and producing consistently strong performances throughout the competition, saying he believed the team represented Croatian water polo in the best possible way and deserved their success.
(Photo: HVS)
