From the special reporter "Vijesti"
Montenegrin water polo players have to change their "chip", from the role of outsiders they now have to move to the role of (slight) favorites and catch the last train for the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games.
Defeats against Croatia, then five points against Greece and Italy (for two points won) gave a hint that the "sharks" have the quality to finish, but today is the moment when the only important result is the first victory in Paris, which the team is looking for Vladimir Gojković opened the door to the knockout phase.
Our selection is waiting for a match with the United States of America (16.35:XNUMX p.m.) and a defeat in the regular part would mean elimination already in the group - no one wants to even think of such an epilogue, but the situation is such that Montenegro must feel fear. Especially after three objectively excellent games, none of which were properly crowned.
- Nothing has changed on the psychological level, although defeats are certainly not pleasant. No matter how we played, and it was really good, they can't make us feel satisfied and feel some kind of satisfaction. Now we have a crucial game ahead of us on the way to the quarter-finals and we are ready to show ourselves. This time let's play well and let it show in the result - the center is clear Vladan Spaić.
The Americans were defeated by Italy at the start, then they defeated Romania, then lost to Greece - they are not at their level in Paris, but the potential of the team they lead Dejan Udovicic is big.
- In the last eight years, this is the best American team, and its biggest weapon is the center Ben Halok which we have to control. If we manage to do that, then we are at an advantage - added Spaić.
EQUAL MATCHES - WE ARE A LITTLE SHORT OF STARTING TO BEAT THEM
According to everything seen so far in the tournament, Montenegro has shown that it has a place among the eight best...
- It's a shame that we didn't win at least one match. I think it was meant to happen. Especially against Greece, and in the duel with Italy we were in control. It's true that we lost it a little in the third quarter, but we came back quickly and were able to bring the match to an end even before five minutes. We obviously lack a bit - experience, maybe a calmer head in the decisive moments to make the right decision, but I hope we will fix that and start winning such even games - said Spaić.
POPADIĆ: WE ARE USED TO THIS TYPE OF PRESSURE
Vlado Popadić scored nine goals in the first three games and is the best individual in the Montenegrin team - he needs to be at that level against the Americans for the "sharks" to be close to victory.
- We played the three best matches - we didn't charge them, but this is the way we should go, because it was seen that we can deal with everyone. We should not forget the games against Croatia, Greece and Italy, it must remain in our subconscious and we must do everything to continue like that. With such an approach, it will be a different story against the Americans - this is the final before the final for us - said Popadić.
The US is a real threat if they impose their rhythm.
- It is an attacking team, physically powerful. It has the most dominant center in the world and everyone will remain consistent in respecting it, above all. And again, if they see that it's not working, they have other qualities they can turn to - said Popadić.
The stakes are huge, and the rivals know each other well, they recently sparred in Los Angeles.
- They are used to matches that mean a lot, we had enough of them this year - from the duel with France at the European Championship, then against the USA in Doha... Then we came out as winners, I believe it will be the same now - Popadić is optimistic. .
American teenager: We have to do better, otherwise we're going home
The United States of America did not impress in the first three games of the tournament - they have three points (they defeated only Romania) and the impression is quite different compared to the one left by the "sharks" who won a point less.
However, what happened must be forgotten - Montenegro needs to show that it is better in the water of the "Aquatics Center" and thus get one step closer to the quarterfinals, which is currently the only obsession of the national team. But the "Yankees" want the same...
- From the beginning of the tournament, we assumed that a lot depended on the match with Montenegro. We haven't been at our level so far, although there are things we can be satisfied with, but in general we have to do better or our Olympic dream will end in the group - said Ryder Dod, the 18-year-old trump card of the USA.
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