World champion-style start, real challenges yet to come

“A world champion-style start, a 25:6 victory over China,” commented Croatian water polo team coach Ivica Tucak for Croatian Radio Television (HRT).

“Nothing else was expected in terms of results, the difference in quality between us and China is evident. We knew that before the game, but a concentrated performance is pleasing. I think we were at a good level. You can't give any assessment in a game like this, but the defense was engaged, self-sacrificing, maybe we conceded one or two goals that we shouldn't have, but in a game like this, that doesn't count,” said Coach Ivica Tucak.

A different story follows, a stronger challenge, the Montenegrin national team.

“And it’s better that way. It wouldn't be good to stay in the rhythm of such opponents. We have a terribly difficult game ahead with an opponent who has certain qualities, who will certainly be dangerous, where one ball can be expected to decide the game. However, we have already played with them and we know more or less everything about them. During these more than 48 hours, we will devote ourselves exclusively to them. Our game already has automatics, but now we are preparing for Montenegro as well. I watched their tournament in Budapest, we analyzed it in detail at the headquarters, we will present it to the players, and we will watch the match between Greece and Montenegro together tonight at the hotel. I believe that we will be ready to welcome the start of that match,” said Tucak.

Of our nine scorers, Luka Bukić was the most effective with six goals.

“The first match of the tournament, of course, is very important to set the tone for the rest of the tournament. China is not the strongest opponent in the group, but it was important for us to set that tone and then continue like that,” he added.

Montenegro is a national team from the very top of the world.

“They have a young, aggressive team, a new coach, and a naturalized Russian. It will certainly be difficult to play against them. We sparred in Split, they are a really great team. There will certainly be a lot of swimming, a lot of contact, we expect a tough, tough match, but we hope that we are better. We will definitely prepare well and I hope to win in the end,” Tucak said.

What are your first impressions of the World Cup in Singapore?

“So far everything is working. Singapore is a beautiful city, the hotel is good, the food is good, the pools are good, the balls, so we have nothing to complain about,” concluded the Croatian Water Polo team coach Ivica Tucak.

Source: HRT