Croatia wins water polo World Championships!

The Croatian water polo team has won the gold medal at the World Championship after beating Italy in the final on Saturday after another dramatic penalty shoot out. 

Back in 2007, Croatia won their first gold at the world's in Melbourne by beating Hungary in the final. Their second gold came in Budapest in 2017.

Croatia went out to an early lead but back to back goals from Italy saw them edge ahead 3-2 after the first quarter.

The second quarter was a tight affair, with Croatia coming back to edge in front 5-4 before the Italians would equalise at the end to make it 5-5 at halftime.

The third quarter was another tight one but the Croatians, thanks to a last second save from Marko Bijač, would lead going into the last 8-7.

Both teams traded goals in a tight final quarter but it was the Italians who edged in front at 11-10, but with five seconds remaining, Rina Burić would equalise to send the game into penalties.

Italy missed twice to give Croatia a memorable win 15-13.

Playing in the final of both the Euros and the World Championship in just a month was an impressive feat for coach Ivica Tucak. Last month Croatia lost to Spain in the Euros final to claim silver.

"I think we deserved to win. We played a great game. We fought like lions. We had our ups and downs against an amazing opponent. Italy didn't give up and neither did we. I think this was a great achievement. We're World Champions," said Tucak.

Today was Croatia's fourth appearance in a World Championship final.