The big water polo competition is back in Podgorica after 16 years - after the World League, it's time for the World Cup Super Final, super important for Montenegro.
The capital of our country will host eight strong national teams from today until Sunday, and one of the strongest in the world will be the first rival of the "Sharks".
Team Dejan Savić They will play against Croatia at 20.30:XNUMX PM, and a victory would not only secure them a place in the semifinals, but would also practically open the door to the World Cup, which will be held in Singapore in July and August.
- The roar from the stands would mean extra to us in the pool. This is a great opportunity for everyone, both the youngest and the rest, to come and witness a top-notch match, which I expect it to be against Croatia - said the captain Petar Tesanovic.
The center had a similar message. Miroslav Perković:
- This tournament certainly means a lot to us, because first and foremost, a victory over Croatia leads to the World Championship, which is our goal. In addition, we have the opportunity, which is not so common, to play in front of our home crowd, our friends, our families, which is perhaps the most beautiful feeling, in our own pool, in our own country.
“BARACUDA” IN A STRONG LINEUP
Croatia arrives in Podgorica without several players who won silver medals at the Paris Olympics, such as Jerka Marinić Kragića, Matthias Biljake, Luka Bukić i Toni Popadić.
However, the selector Ivica Tucak he prepared a very powerful team with Marko Bijač, Lorena Fatović, Josip Vrlić, By Rino Burić, Luka Lončar, Konstantin Kharkov...
- The list itself says that they came to play with all their might and they certainly won't let us go to the World Championship without a big fight. They have excellent individuals, they are a well-coordinated team, at the top of world water polo, they are playing excellently - emphasized Perković.
Although the "barracudas" have been at the top for years, the "sharks" have often been one of their toughest rivals.
- In the past, we have shown that we can play with them, that we are equal rivals. We will do our best to make it look right - the Montenegrin "anchorman" is clear.
What kind of match can fans expect in the stands of the “Morača” swimming pool?
- Hard and difficult, where in the end, despite tactics and preparation, desire will decide who is more aggressive, who fights harder - believes Perković.
Croatia is calm when it comes to qualifying for the World Cup, just like Hungary and Spain from the tournament in Podgorica, while for Montenegro, victory is imperative. Could everything be a big pressure for the "sharks"?
- We've all played in big competitions and every game carries a certain burden. I feel that it's a positive feeling, I hope my teammates feel the same way - says the center from Novi Beograd.
THE ATTACK IS EMPHASIZED, BUT THE DEFENSE BRINGS VICTORIES
Just as was the case with the qualifying tournament in Bucharest, the new rules will be used in Podgorica, in a smaller pool, with a shorter attack time...
- Although the new rules emphasize attacking play, strong defense brings medals and victories. We have enough quality and great potential to put all of that into practice - captain Tešanović is clear.
He says about his rival:
- This is a top team that has won medals in the previous three competitions. We are familiar with their qualities, I think we know each other well and there won't be too many surprises.
Coach Savić's list is missing several players from previous gatherings, such as Jovan Vujović, Vlada Popadić, Bogdan Đurđić, it's not there either Savo Ćetković, while the match against Croatia will be skipped due to suspension Vasilije Radović.
- The coach has assessed that everyone should be given a chance, and I don't think there is a big difference between the players. I hope we will achieve our goal and qualify for the World Cup - concluded Tešanović.
The three best teams from the tournament in Pogorica, other than Croatia, Hungary and Spain, which already have a visa, will qualify for the World Cup.
Schedule (quarterfinals): Spain-Germany (14 p.m.), Hungary-Netherlands (16.10:18.20 p.m.), Greece-Japan (20.30:XNUMX p.m.), Montenegro-Croatia (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.).
Fan zone and LED display in front of the pool
Daily tickets for the Superfinal will be sold in two sessions and cost 10 euros. And since it is known that the stands at the SC “Morača” swimming pool cannot accommodate a large number of fans, the Water Polo and Swimming Association also thought about those who will not have tickets.
An LED display will be installed in front of the pool, which will broadcast all matches.
There will be a fan zone and a program that will start at 17 pm on all three days, which will include a DJ program and viewing of the matches.
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