From the special reporter "Vijesti"
Almost two months of preparation, dozens of sparring duels and at least 10 real matches are behind the Montenegrin water polo players before the Olympic Games in Paris.
The games were officially opened last night, and the "sharks" will enter the pool of the "Paris Aquatic Center" on Sunday when the water polo tournament in the City of Light begins.
Everything is ready for an Olympic tournament that has never been stronger, with eight contenders for a medal, including Montenegro - it is true, it is not among the favorites, but it is clear that it has a chance and can compete with the best.
The first opponent of Vladimir Gojković's team is Croatia, one of the strongest teams on the planet - the current world champion and European vice-champion, who arrived in Paris reinforced by the returning, trophy left-handed ace Maro Joković.
"Croatia is stronger because of Joković, a world class player and a player who brought them additional quality, Luka Bukić is also back, but that doesn't have to mean anything. I hope it won't bring them a big plus," said Gojković.
Regardless of how tomorrow's duel ends (16.35:XNUMX p.m.), the road to the quarterfinals remains long and complicated - in addition to our team and the Croatian team, Italy, Greece, and the United States are also in group A.
Romania is an outsider (not total), the other teams are chasing the first four places leading among the top eight.
"We had two months of good preparations, we worked well and a lot to bring the game to the best level. The last 15 days went the way we wanted, even here in Paris," added Gojković.
The goal is to pass the group, and then...
"This is the end of the Olympic cycle, the team is better than in 2022, when we were not competitive. We passed, while this winter we beat the favorites, but also had fluctuations in the game. Ambitions to pass the group, and then the quarter-final match opens for us, and then everything is possible", said Gojković.
There is no problem, Vladan Spaić has recovered from his shoulder injury.
"I hope that we will enter the Olympic tournament in the right way and that match with Croatia, which is difficult. But there is no easy game here. "Maybe we are not the favorites before the duel with the Croats, but when we enter the pool we have some experience of winning against them in the previous period," concluded Gojković.
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