Croatia open European Water Polo Championship with dominant victory in Belgrade
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Photo credit: HVS)
Croatia have opened their European Water Polo Championship campaign in emphatic fashion, recording a dominant victory in their first Group B match in Belgrade.
The Barakude delivered a composed and authoritative performance, justifying pre-match expectations and underlining the clear difference in quality between the two sides.
While the result was widely anticipated, Croatia showed professionalism throughout, remaining focused and disciplined from start to finish.
From the opening quarter, Croatia controlled the tempo and imposed their attacking rhythm. The first period ended 3–1 in Croatia’s favour, setting the tone for what followed.
The Barakude then increased the pressure in the second quarter, extending the lead with a 5–1 run to go into half-time firmly in command.
(Photo credit: HVS)
There was no let-up after the break. Croatia continued to dominate both ends of the pool, winning the third quarter 7–1 and effectively putting the contest beyond doubt.
The final quarter followed a similar pattern, with Croatia closing out the match comfortably with another 5–1 advantage.
Several players stood out in attack. Zvonimir Butić led the scoring with four goals, while Loren Fatović, Marko Žuvela, Konstantin Kharkov and Filip Kržić each added three goals to a well-balanced team performance.
(Photo credit: HVS)
The convincing win gives Croatia an ideal platform as they continue their group-stage campaign.
(Photo credit: HVS)
The Barakude will be back in action on Tuesday, 13 January, when they face Georgia, with the match scheduled to start at 12:45 CET.
Croatian fans can follow the match live on HRT, as the Barakude look to build further momentum and take another step towards the knockout stages of the European Championship.
