Ever since Sheffield (1993) and Rome (1994), when Italy became the European and then the world champion, and Croatia appeared for the first time at the biggest competitions as an independent country, it was clear that a new great water polo rivalry was being born.
Three decades later, "setebelo" and "barracuda" are still giants, and today (15.30:XNUMX p.m.) in the grand final of the World Championship in Doha, they will meet again in the clinch and decide who is the new ruler of the planet.
After 1978, 1994, 2011 and 2019, Italy will fight for the fifth crown from the World Cup, and Croatia will try to hang a third star next to its name for the best in the world - after success in 2007 and 2017.
The clash in "Aspajer dom" will also be a new game of chess between two great coaches - Alessandra Campanje i Edge of Tucak.
"This final means a lot to me, even though many are already focusing on qualifying for the Olympic Games. However, the Games are in July, and now it's February - let's enjoy this final, so we'll have time to think about Paris," the legendary Italian coach told the website of the association.
For Tucak, the former coach of Jadran from Herceg Novi, this will be the third final of the World Cup - in Kazan 2015, his Croatia was defeated by Serbia, to take revenge on the same rival two years later in the semi-finals, and then in front of a packed Margitsiget, they defeated Hungary and won World Championship.
"I told the players that there are no more training sessions or video analysis - we only have our heart and head for the final," said Tucak, quoted by "Večernji list".
"For Croatia, this is the fourth final, for me it is the third. We are very happy with everything so far, but that last step remains. We have to make it”.
After the aforementioned Sheffield and Rome, the duels between Croatia and Italy brought several unforgettable clashes that ultimately decided the new champion.
The Barracudas won their first European title in history in 2010 by defeating Italy in the final, and two years later they beat the same rival in the gold medal match at the London Olympics. Croatia also remembers great victories on the way to the titles in 2017 (quarterfinals of the World Cup) and 2022 (semifinals of the European Championship).
On the other hand, Italy reached the world crowns in 1994 and 2011 by defeating Croatia in the semi-finals.
Now everything is ready for another super classic - the planet is waiting for a new ruler.
The last day of the championship also brings other matches for placement - everything started early this morning with the duel between Montenegro and Hungary for seventh place (the match of our selection started at eight o'clock), Spain and France will play for third place, and Greece and Serbia for fifth place.
WC Doha 2024
Final
Italy - Croatia (15.30:XNUMX p.m.)
For 3th place
Spain - France (9.30am)
For 5th place
Greece - Serbia (14.00:XNUMX p.m.)
For 7th place
Montenegro - Hungary (8.00:XNUMX a.m.)
Bonus video:
