Croatia U20 water polo third in the world

(Photo: HVS)

Croatia’s under-20 national water polo team has claimed the bronze medal at the World Championships held in Zagreb, marking a triumphant end to a golden era of junior water polo.

In the third-place play-off, the young Barakudas delivered their best performance of the tournament with a convincing 13-8 victory over Hungary.

The win was not only a medal-winning performance but also Croatia’s first-ever triumph over Hungary at a major junior tournament.

This result crowns an exceptional year for this generation, who previously won gold at the European Championships. Their success confirms Croatia’s continued dominance in the world of water polo.

(Photo: HVS)

Head coach Zoran Bajić’s squad was outstanding in defence, led by captain and goalkeeper Mauro Ivan Čubranić. Čubranić made an incredible 20 saves in the match, including a penalty, putting on a captain’s display in his final junior outing.

(Photo: HVS)

In attack, Luka Penava stood out as the player of the match, scoring key goals at crucial moments. “There is no better feeling than finishing the tournament with a win – especially when it comes with our first ever victory over Hungary in a major competition,” Penava said after the match.

To top off an already memorable tournament, Vlaho Pavlić was named top scorer of the World Championships with an impressive 30 goals.

(Photo: HVS)

(Photo: HVS)

In the final, Spain defeated the United States 14-11.

With a European gold and a World Championship bronze to their name, this generation of young Barakudas end their junior journey on a high. Croatia once again confirms its place among the global elite in water polo.