Water Polo: Croatia is through to the EURO final!

Croatia delivered a fantastic water polo performance against world champions Hungary at the European Championships on Sunday, setting up a final against Spain to defend their European title.

In front of a packed house at Zagreb's Mladost Sports Center, Croatia won the semifinal 11:8. Spain defeated Italy 7 to 4 in the other semifinal.

On Tuesday, Croatia will defend its gold medal from two years ago in Split. It is also seeking a third gold medal since 2010, when it also won the title in front of a home crowd. The Barracudas trophy case also has two European silvers (2003, 1999) and one bronze (2018).

After an even first quarter (2-2), Croatia took the lead in the second with a two-goal difference (4-2).

In the third quarter, the Hungarians reduced the deficit to a single goal on four occasions, but Croatia took the lead with a three point difference (9-6) at the beginning of the last period.

Hungary cut it down to 9-7, but the Barracudas responded with two consecutive goals for 11-7. Then it was clear the celebrating can begin.

Jerko Marinić Kragić led Croatia to victory with three goals, followed by Loren Fatović with two goals, and Marko Bijač had eight saves.

For the Hungarians, Adam Nagy and Vendel Vigvari were the most effective with three goals each.

“A fantastic result for Croatian water polo and Croatian sports, but we still have one more difficult step ahead, that is, defending the championship title,” said coach Ivica Tucak.

“The Hungarians are a great team, although they did not have their full squad here. But, we deservedly made it to the final. The support has been wonderful, getting better every game. It is going to be tough to beat the Spaniards twice in one tournament, but if we play this kind of game, we have a chance,” said Marko Bijač.