Danube Arena in Budapest, January 2020 - Montenegrin water polo players defeated Italy in a phenomenal match and skipped the quarterfinals of the European Championship.
Over the next four years, the "Sharks" played six more major competitions - two European Championships, three World Championships and the Olympic Games - but the quarterfinals suddenly became a wall that Vladimir Gojković's boys could not break down.
That's how it was this February at the World Cup in Doha, so starting tomorrow (Thursday, 10 a.m.), Montenegro will play matches with Greece for the sixth time in a row for placing from 5th to 8th place.
"We still have a playoff against Greece - we will try to improve and use these two games to prepare for what awaits us in the summer," said Aljoša Mačić, the defender of Montenegro.
Unlike most of the previous playoffs for placement, the matches in Doha and recently in Zagreb also have a competitive appeal - this time the "sharks" will try to be ahead of Serbia (in the first match for placement from 5th to 8th place they play against Hungary) to avoid the last hat in the draw for the Olympics.
"I think it is important that we play the remaining two games as best as possible at this moment - to try to win as favorable a place as possible in the hats for drawing groups at the Olympic Games," says Stefan Vidović and adds.
"I believe that we should take advantage of these matches and try certain new things in the game, and as always, I am convinced that we will give our best".
The rival is Greece - a selection against which Gojković's boys lost (15:10) precisely the match for 5th place recently at the European Championship in Zagreb.
"Yes, we played recently, and now we will look to cover their best points, centers and several shooters they have. They are a great team, but I believe we can overcome them and record another victory against one of the top teams," added Macic .
There was a lot of trouble this February in Qatar, but the most important thing is that the goal was fulfilled - Montenegro will be at the Olympic Games for the fifth time in a row.
"We fulfilled the basic goal, which was not only our goal, but also that of many other national teams, and we can be satisfied with that," concluded Vidović.
Four years ago, a bronze medal arrived in Montenegro from the mentioned Euro in Budapest, before that fights for medals were mostly a common occurrence... The reality is now, however, different - matches for placing from 5th to 8th place.
Until Paris and the Olympic Games, when the "sharks" will have a new opportunity to take a big step forward.
WC Doha 2024.
Thursday
For placement from 5th to 8th place
Montenegro - Greece (10h)
Serbia - Hungary (12.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Semifunnels
Spain - Italy (14pm)
Croatia - France (15.30:XNUMX p.m.)
Bonus video:
