From the special reporter "Vijesti"
Throughout history, Montenegrin water polo players have had some spectacular victories at major competitions in duels with Croatia, one of them being the one from 2008 at the Olympic Games in Beijing when Petar Porobić's team defeated the "barracudas" to reach the semi-finals. It was an epic duel that, a month after the gold in Malaga at the EP, confirmed that the "map" of world water polo had changed...
There were, of course, important triumphs in the meantime, but also convincing defeats, and one thing remained the same for all this time - Croatia is a superpower, but Montenegro always felt that it had a chance against such a powerful rival.
He feels that he still has it today at the opening of the Olympic tournament against the same rival who came to Paris with the greatest possible ambitions.
Montenegro and Croatia are old opponents, surprises are not realistic, but in small details - one attack with one player more or defense with one man less, defense, block - what makes the difference can be hidden.
The time has come for the real thing, the moment for the "sharks" to crown two months of preparation, dozens of sparring duels and at least 10 real games before the Games.
- Croats are stronger for Mar Joković, a world class 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 before today's duel, which starts at 16.35:XNUMX p.m. in the "Paris Aquatic Center".
GOJKOVIĆ: WE ARE READY
The never stronger Olympic tournament begins, with eight contenders for a medal, including Montenegro - it's true, it's not among the favorites, but it's clear that it has a chance and can compete with the best.
- 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, and it's the same here in Paris - said 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. Last year we were competition, 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.
Center Vladan Spaić had a shoulder injury in the last days of the preparations - it has been repaired and he is ready to tackle Croatia's defenders.
- I hope that we will enter the Olympic tournament in the right way and in that match with Croatia, which is difficult. But there is no easy game here. We may not even be 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.
LAZOVIĆ: WE'VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR THIS
Everyone agrees that Montenegro has, if not the best, then one of the best goalkeeper tandems at the Olympic Games - Petar Tešanović is the captain, there is also the experienced Dejan Lazović, who once again has a chance to fight for an Olympic medal with the "Sharks".
- We all can't wait for the tournament to start. Croatia is a top team, we've been beating them lately, but every tournament is a story in itself. It will not be easy, just as it will not be easy in the other duels that await us. A victory would bring us a lot, it would give us a wind behind us to continue the competition - said the experienced Lazović.
The distinction is obsession when it comes to the water polo national team of Montenegro.
- We dream of a medal, that's normal. We are not among the favorites, but we have a chance like everyone else. We don't feel the pressure, we know that we have a super strong tournament ahead of us and that all the matches are a story in themselves - added Lazović.
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