The young Croatian water polo players secured their place in the final of the World Championship in Zagreb after a dramatic match full of twists and a 12:11 victory over Serbia.
Croatia's under-16 water polo team has secured a place in the final of the World Championship in Zagreb. In a semifinal match full of twists and turns, they defeated their Serbian counterparts 12:11. The hero of the dramatic finish was Vito Lokas, who scored the winning goal just 69 seconds before the end of the match.
Serbia opened the match furiously and took a commanding 5:2 lead as early as the fourth minute. However, coach Bruno Sabioni's charges refused to give up. A run of 4:1 brought them back into the game and leveled the score at 6:6. Despite the impressive comeback, Serbia went into halftime with a narrow 7:6 lead.
The start of the second half again belonged to the Serbian players, who extended their lead to 8:6. But then came another Croatian surge. Three consecutive goals completely turned the match around and gave Croatia their first lead of the game, 9:8.
The final six minutes began with a slim Croatian lead, and what followed was pure drama. Maksim Krečković scored twice in a row to put Serbia back in front. Deni Sappe then equalized to make it 10:10. With two and a half minutes remaining, Uroš Muncan scored to give Serbia a new lead at 11:10.
Croatia had an answer ready. Ante Domazet capitalized on a man advantage to make it 11:11. After Croatia's defense held firm, the decisive moment arrived. Vito Lokas managed to slip the ball under the Serbian goalkeeper 69 seconds from time to make it 12:11. Serbia had two chances to equalize in the closing stages, and in the final attack, Krečković hit the crossbar, sparking wild celebrations among the Croatian players.
Deni Sappe and Ante Domazet were the top scorers for Croatia, each netting four goals. Sappe was also named the player of the match for his performance. Captain Luko Vezilić played a crucial role as well, making eight saves in goal. For Serbia, Uroš Muncan scored four goals.
Croatia will face the winner of the other semifinal between Spain and the United States in the final of the World Championship.
